Restoration Firm Puts Together a Round-up of State Requirements

In Alabama, it’s required to obtain a general contractor's license for maintenance, repair, demolition, construction, or alteration projects that exceed $50,000 for commercial projects.

For residential projects, a GC license is required if costs exceed $10,000.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Alaska

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In Alaska, there are three kinds of licenses awarded:

General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement: The contractor manages new home construction or undertakes residential projects higher than 25% of the value of the structure.
General Contractor without Residential Contractor Endorsement: For both commercial and residential properties, this license allows contractor work worth less than 25% of what the property is valued. No exam is needed for this license.
General Contractor Handyman: The contractor is qualified to perform residential or commercial work that costs less than $10,000.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Arizona

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

Arizona requires a license for any restoration work totaling over $1000. They award the following licenses:

General Commercial Contractors
General Residential Contractors
General Dual License Contracting: A combination of residential and commercial contracting.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Arkansas

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

Arkansas requires a license for any restoration work totaling over $2000. They award the following licenses:

Commercial License for projects worth more than $50,000
Restricted Commercial License for projects up to $750,000
Residential Builders License for Single-family home projects worth more than $2,500.
Residential Remodeler Limited License for home improvement work with less than $50,000.
Residential Remodeler Unlimited License for unlimited scope of work.

A mold remediation license is not required.

California

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In California, a general contractor's license is required for projects totaling more than $500.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Colorado

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Colorado. There are local registration or licensing requirements.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Connecticut

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Connecticut but working on home improvement projects requires registration with the state's Department of Consumer Protection.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Delaware

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Delaware unless the work exceeds $50,000. There are local registration or licensing requirements.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Florida

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: YES

General Contractor License is needed to work on buildings less than 4 stories high.

Building Contractor License is for the construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of residential and commercial buildings that do not exceed 3 stories high.

A residential contractor license is used for residential work in buildings that don't exceed 2 stories in height.

Florida requires a license to offer mold remediation services in the state.

They have 2 types of licenses for mold remediation: MRSA (mold assessor) and MRSR (mold remediator). MRSA is for performing mold assessments and MRSR is for performing mold remediation.

Georgia

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is required to work in Georgia on projects that are over $2,500.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Hawaii

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is required to work in Hawaii on projects that are over $1,000.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Idaho

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In Idaho, there is no state licensing requirements, but if you plan on working on a project that's more than $2000, you must register with Idaho Contractors Board.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Illinois

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Illinois. However, many local jurisdictions including Chicago, require restoration professionals to have a general contractor license.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Indiana

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Indiana. However, many local jurisdictions may require restoration professionals to have a general contractor license.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Iowa

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Indiana. However, any restoration company or individual earning at least $2,000 annually is required to register with Iowa’s division of labor.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Kansas

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Kansas. However, many local jurisdictions may require restoration professionals to have a general contractor license.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Kentucky

State GC license: Check Local Regulations; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

Construction and general contracting licenses are governed at the city/county level.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Louisiana

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: YES

A residential license is required for home remodeling work in Louisiana on projects that are over $75,000.

A commercial license is required in Louisiana for commercial projects worth over $50,000.

Home Improvement registration is also required for projects valued between $7,500 and $75,000. (Registration only requires proof of insurance)

A mold remediation specialist is required to obtain a license issued by the State Licensing Board for Contractors to practice remediation in Louisiana. Every specialist must complete training in both mold assessment and mold remediation.

Maine

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Maine. However, for home improvement projects worth more than $3,000, a written contract will be needed.

There may be licensing requirements at the city or county level so make sure to check before you start working.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Maryland

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

Working in Maryland will require a Home Improvement license from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. This will cover additions, alterations, improvements, and remodeling of residential buildings.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Massachusetts

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

Working in Massachusetts will require proof of registration from the state's Home Improvement Contractor. For larger projects, a construction supervisor license must be held.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Michigan

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In Michigan, a Residential Builders License or a Maintenance & Alterations Contractors License is needed to work on projects that include repair, construction, alterations, or upgrades to residential buildings or mixed-use buildings.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Minnesota

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In Minnesota, a Residential Remodeler license is required if you make over $15,000 annually remodeling homes. A Residential Remodeler License. A Residential Building License is required for building new structures.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Mississippi

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A General Contractor license is required in Mississippi for, commercial projects that exceed $50,000, public works projects that are over $50,000 in value, residential building that exceeds $50,000, and residential remodeling that exceeds $10,000.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Missouri

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

Although the state of Missouri doesn't hold any state-wide general contracting license requirements, individual cities and local jurisdictions have their own unique requirements for restoration and remodeling work. Requirements in Kansas City are much different than those in St. Louis.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Montana

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In Montana, licensing is not required.

Restoration companies with employees must register at the Department of Labor and Industry and provide proof of worker’s compensation insurance.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Nebraska

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A state license is not required to work in the state of Nebraska.

Construction, alteration, renovations, installations, additions, or repairs all require registration with the state’s Department of Labor.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Nevada

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A state license is required to work in Nevada for all work worth more than $1,000 or if the work requires a building license. An exemption applies for work less than $1000 however, it limits the services offered.

A mold remediation license is not required.

New Hampshire

State GC license: NO; State Registration: NO; Mold Remediation license: NO

A state license is not required to work in the state of New Hampshire.

A mold remediation license is not required.

New Jersey

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A state license is not required to work in the state of New Jersey, but building, improving, or repairing homes requires registration with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

A mold remediation license is not required.

New Mexico

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A state license is required to work in the state of New Mexico. Anyone engaged in construction, remodeling, electrical, or plumbing work must be licensed. There are multiple classifications of licenses awarded by the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Licensing.

A mold remediation license is not required.

New York

State GC license: Check Local Regulations; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: YES

New York State doesn't carry any license requirements to complete home improvement projects.

However, home improvement contractors must be granted a license to work in the cities of New York and Buffalo, and in the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland.

In New York City contractors must be licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs to do any restoration or remodeling work that will exceed $200.

New York State requires professionals engaged in mold assessment and remediation to be licensed.

North Carolina

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In North Carolina, a state license is required for all projects that exceed $30,000. Licenses classifications are Building contractors, Residential contractors, Highway contractors, public utility contractors, and Special contractors. Registration with the North Carolina Secretary of State is also required.

A mold remediation license is not required.

North Dakota

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is required to work in North Dakota on projects that are over $4,000.

Class A: projects that exceed $500,000
Class B: projects less than $500,000
Class C: projects less than $300,000
Class D: projects less than $100,000

A mold remediation license is not required.

Ohio

State GC license: Check Local Regulations; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

Ohio doesn't require any licenses for repair work or home improvement projects that cost less than $1,000. More extensive projects require a local license.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Oklahoma

State GC license: NO; State Registration: NO; Mold Remediation license: NO

In Oklahoma, state licenses are not required to perform construction services, including commercial or residential buildings, roads, bridges, and highways, installation of residential and municipal utilities, industrial and oil field installations, and other various projects.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Oregon

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In Oregon, to work on jobs that are worth more than $1,000, a license is required. Construction work that involves improvements to a property must have a contractor license issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Pennsylvania

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A state license is not required to work in Pennsylvania, however, making over $5,000 in home improvement work requires registration with the Attorney General’s Office.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Rhode Island

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

A license is not required in Rhode Island, but every contractor and subcontractor involved in commercial construction, home construction, remodeling, or repairs must register with the Registration and Licensing Board.

A mold remediation license is not required.

South Carolina

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

In South Carolina, a state license is required for all projects that exceed $5,000.

2 main types of licenses are issued: a general contractor's license and a Mechanical contractor's license.

If working on only residential projects, a general contractor license is not needed. A license from the Residential Builders Commission will be required.

A mold remediation license is not required.

South Dakota

State GC license: Check Local Regulations; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A state license is not required to work in the state of South Dakota. However, many local jurisdictions may require restoration professionals to have a general contractor license.

South Dakota does require restoration companies to adhere to a contractor's excise tax license.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Tennessee

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: YES

In Tennessee, it is required to hold a home improvement license for jobs worth between $3,000 and $24,999 and a state general contractor license for jobs t worth more than $25,000.

Tennessee requires a mold remediation license for all individuals and companies performing mold removal and identifying jobs.

Texas

State GC license: Check Local Regulations; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: YES

Texas does not hold any licensing requirements for restoration or remodeling work.

There may be licensing requirements at the local level. If the work involves plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work a state license will be needed.

Companies that provide mold remediation services will need either a Mold Remediation Worker or a Mold Remediation Contractor license.

*A mold remediation worker is limited to performing mold remediation under the supervision of a licensed remediation contractor.

Utah

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

Utah requires a license for contractors who perform work that is worth more than $3,000.

Projects worth less than $3,000 are known as the handyman exemption. Making more than $1,000 on a job requires proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Vermont

State GC license: NO; State Registration: NO; Mold Remediation license: NO

Vermont does not hold any licensing requirements for restoration or remodeling work.

Vermont does separate its licenses into trades like electricians, plumbers, and construction dealing with asbestos or lead.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Virginia

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

Virginia requires a license for contractors who perform work that is worth more than $1,000.

There are 3 different classes of contractor licenses.

Class A: projects ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 annually. A minimum of 2 years of experience is required.
Class B: projects ranging from $120,000 to $750,000 annually. A minimum of 3 years of experience is required.
Class C: Unlimited amount range. A minimum of 5 years of experience is required.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Washington

State GC license: NO; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

There is no state license for working in the state of Washington. However, all contractors and specialty contractors must register with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Washington DC

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: YES

The District of Columbia has two different types of construction contractor licenses: The Home Improvement Contractor License and The General Contractor/Construction Manager License.

Both require the applicant to pay a fee, provide a registered Tax ID number, provide proof of insurance, show a Clean Hands Self-Certification, and have a Home Improvement Salesperson License.

Any business engaging in residential indoor mold assessment or remediation must be licensed by DOEE (Department of Energy and Environment).

West Virginia

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

West Virginia requires a license for contractors who perform work that is worth more than $2,500.

There are several different license classifications.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Wisconsin

State GC license: YES; State Registration: YES; Mold Remediation license: NO

Working in Wisconsin are required to have a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license if the project exceeds $1,000.

A Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license is for construction, home alteration, home improvements, commercial projects, and public projects. Some requirements you’ll need to meet include.

A mold remediation license is not required.

Wyoming

State GC license: NO; State Registration: Check Local Regulations; Mold Remediation license: NO

A general contractor license is not required to work in Wyoming. However, many local jurisdictions may require restoration professionals to have a general contractor license.

A mold remediation license is not required.

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Sharon Elzarat has over 20 years of experience in the restoration industry. Having owned and, operated multiple restoration companies, Sharon possesses extensive knowledge on all topics regarding restoration and renovation. He is currently the proprietor and engine behind Superior Damage Restoration, a 24-hour restoration company servicing residential and commercial properties in Montgomery County Maryland. All SDR clients receive personalized plans that emphasize transparency, quality, and punctuality. Sharon can be reached at 301-200-7272 or by visiting superiordamagerestoration.com.