Building Compliance Management Division

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Contractor Licensing Requirements & Regulations

The City of Port St. Lucie enforces contractor licensing in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 489 and City Ordinance Chapter 150.501.

Effective July 1, 2025, the City of Port St. Lucie no longer accepts Certificates of Competency as valid contractor licenses.

  • Under Florida Statute 489.117, all contractors as defined in FS 489.105(3)(a-o) must be State Registered or State Certified to operate legally in Florida.
  • If you currently use a City-issued Certificate of Competency to perform or contract work, you must take action to comply with state licensing requirements.
  • To become a State Registered Contractor, contact St. Lucie County's Contractor Licensing for guidance.
  • The City no longer sponsors contractor registration. However, State Registered licenses issued by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) and approved for St. Lucie County will be accepted (registration with the City is still required).

Already registered?

  • If you were previously sponsored by the City and now hold a State Registered license, no further action is required; just ensure your supporting documents are up to date.
  • If you held a Certificate of Competency in a specialty category, you may qualify for a State Certified Specialty License. Refer to FS 489.113(6)(b) for eligible categories.

Additional Resources

Contractor Registration Process

To streamline the permitting process, Certified Contractors and St. Lucie County Registered Contractors licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are encouraged to register as a Computer Member with the City’s Contractor Licensing Division.

Certificate holder information

When submitting insurance documents, please list the certificate holder as:

City of Port St. Lucie – Building Department
121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, Bldg B
Port St. Lucie, FL 34984

How to register as a computer member

  1. Download and complete the Computer Member Registration Form(PDF, 425KB).
  2. Email the completed form along with all required documents to contractorlicensing@cityofpsl.com.

If you choose not to register

Contractors who do not register as a Computer Member must submit the following with each permit application:

  • A copy of the qualifier’s driver’s license
  • State certification
  • General liability insurance
  • Workers’ compensation insurance

Requesting a Letter of Reciprocity

To request a Letter of Reciprocity, please complete the Letter of Reciprocity Request Form(PDF, 196KB) and email it to contractorlicensing@cityofpsl.com. A $35 processing fee applies to this service.

Resources

Report Unlicensed Contractor Activity

If you suspect unlicensed contracting activity, please report it to the appropriate agency:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):

City of Port St. Lucie Building Compliance Management Division

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Before starting your next project, follow these important guidelines to protect yourself and ensure the work is done legally and safely:

Get multiple estimates
  • Obtain at least three written proposals to compare pricing, timelines and scope of work.
Insist on a written contract
  • Include a detailed description of the work, materials, start and completion dates.
  • Keep records of all payments (including check numbers).
  • Retain copies of contracts, receipts, correspondence and notes from phone calls.
Verify the contractor’s license
Contact the company directly
  • Ask for references.
  • Confirm the person you're working with is employed by the company.
  • After signing, verify that your contract and deposit were submitted to the appropriate personnel.
Confirm a permit has been issued (if required)
  • A valid permit should be posted at the job site before work begins.
  • The permit must include the property address, contractor name, permit number and type of work.
  • You can verify permit status by calling the Building Department at 772-871-5132.
Do not apply for your own permit
  • If a contractor asks you to pull the permit, it’s a red flag. You could be held financially responsible for any issues.
Avoid paying in cash or to an individual
  • Always pay the licensed business entity, not an individual.
Don’t hire someone “working on the side”
  • If an unlicensed worker is injured on your property, you could be liable.
  • Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damages if the work required a licensed contractor.

Legal reminder

Glossary of Contractor License Types

Registered contractor: A contractor who has registered with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) after meeting the competency requirements of a specific local jurisdiction. Registered contractors are authorized to work only within the jurisdictions where they are registered.

Certified contractor: A contractor who holds a State Certified License issued by the DBPR. Certified contractors are authorized to work in any jurisdiction throughout Florida without needing to meet additional local competency requirements.  

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