Contractor licensing
Builder licensing rules, state by state.
Contractor licensing varies enormously across states. Some require a state-wide license for any project over $500; others have no state license at all. These pages cover the rules for the states most residential builders work in.
CA · Threshold Any project of $500 or more in labor and materials
California
California is the most regulated GC licensing regime in the country. Any work over $500 requires a CSLB license, and the Class B (general building) license is what residential builders need.
TX · Threshold No state license for residential GCs
Texas
Texas does not require a state-issued general contractor license for residential construction. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are licensed through TDLR. Municipal registration and lender requirements drive the practical credentialing.
FL · Threshold Any project beyond exempt minor repairs
Florida
Florida has a tiered licensing system: Certified contractors can work state-wide, Registered contractors are county-only. Residential builders typically need a Certified Residential license from DBPR.
GA · Threshold Residential projects above $2,500 require licensing
Georgia
Georgia requires a state license for residential projects over $2,500. The Residential-Basic license covers most single-family work; Residential-Light Commercial expands the scope.
NY · Threshold Varies by municipality
New York
New York does not have a state GC license. New York City and the larger counties require Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) licenses; the rest of the state regulates by municipality.
TN · Threshold Any project of $25,000 or more requires a state license
Tennessee
Tennessee requires a state license for any project of $25,000 or more. Residential builders typically obtain a BC license, and the financial statement filed with the application caps the maximum project size.
NC · Threshold Any project of $40,000 or more
North Carolina
North Carolina requires a state license for projects of $40,000 or more. The Residential classification is the standard for single-family builders, and the Limited / Intermediate / Unlimited tier is set by working-capital evidence.
SC · Threshold Any residential project of $200 or more (Residential Builder)
South Carolina
South Carolina requires a Residential Builder license for any project of $200 or more. The exam covers business and law plus a trade portion; the financial statement determines the maximum project size.
AZ · Threshold Any project of $1,000 or more, OR any project requiring a building permit
Arizona
Arizona requires an AZ ROC license for any residential project of $1,000 or more, or any project requiring a permit. Residential builders typically hold a B (general residential) license.
CO · Threshold Varies by municipality
Colorado
Colorado does not issue a state GC license. Most municipalities, including Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder, require local general contractor licensing tiered by project size and complexity.