The plain-English version
A handyman handles small, non-structural, non-licensed work — drywall patches, painting, mounting things, tile repair, fixture swaps where no plumbing/electrical alterations are needed. In Florida, an unlicensed handyman is legally allowed to do work valued under $1,000 (per Florida Statute 489.103) as long as it's not in a regulated trade.
A general contractor is licensed by the State of Florida (CGC, CRC, or CBC license) to perform larger and regulated work — anything structural, anything that requires a permit, anything that materially affects plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. General contractors can do everything a handyman can, and a lot more.
The "who do I call" cheat sheet
Here's how to know which one you need:
Call a handyman for:
- Hanging a TV on the wall
- Patching drywall holes from old shelves
- Painting a room or an exterior
- Replacing a light fixture (like-for-like)
- Swapping a faucet (no plumbing rework)
- Installing a ceiling fan where one already existed
- Replacing baseboards or trim
- Fixing a sticking door
- Re-caulking a tub
- Mounting shelves, art, mirrors
Call a general contractor (or licensed handyman/remodeler) for:
- Bathroom or kitchen remodels
- Moving walls (load-bearing or not)
- Anything structural
- Major plumbing changes (relocating fixtures, repiping)
- Major electrical work (new circuits, panel work)
- Any project over $1,000 in unlicensed-handyman terms
- Anything that needs a permit
- Tile installation across an entire floor or shower
- Cabinet replacement
- Additions or garage conversions
Why this matters in Florida
Florida is one of the strictest states in the country about contracting licenses. Hiring an unlicensed person for licensed work isn't just a paperwork issue — it can void your homeowner's insurance if anything goes wrong, and it can become a serious problem when you eventually sell. Permits left unpermitted, unlicensed plumbing work, or structural changes done without an engineer's stamp all show up in disclosure forms or in the buyer's inspection.
The cheap unlicensed guy who quoted you $1,500 to "renovate" your bathroom can save you a few thousand dollars upfront — and cost you $40,000 in remediation when the buyer's inspector finds it.
What to ask before you hire anyone
- Are you licensed? A licensed Florida contractor will give you their license number. You can verify it for free at myfloridalicense.com.
- Are you insured? Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing general liability AND worker's compensation. If they get hurt on your property and there's no coverage, your homeowner's policy is on the hook.
- Will you pull permits if needed? The right answer is yes. "We don't need permits" is almost always a lie.
- Can you provide three local references? Recent ones, in your area.
- Will you put the estimate in writing? If they won't, walk.
What makes our team different
Precision Builders & Design is a licensed and insured Florida contractor, but we also run a dedicated handyman service. That means we can do the small jobs other contractors won't bother with, and we can do the big remodels handymen aren't legally allowed to touch. One team, one number to call, whatever the size of the project.
Need a quote? Send us a few details or call (321) 506-8113 — we'll tell you up front whether your project is a handyman call or a full estimate.