What's the difference between a general contractor and a handyman?

In Florida, a handyman can legally perform minor repairs and individual non-structural tasks under $1,000 with no permit required. The moment a project requires a building permit, involves structural work, or combines multiple trades, you need a state-licensed contractor (CGC, CBC, or CRC). The dividing line is the permit, not the price.

Should I pay a large deposit upfront?

Florida law caps the upfront deposit on residential work at 10% of the contract price before any materials are delivered or work begins (§ 489.126, F.S.). Any contractor asking for 30%, 40%, or 50% upfront before mobilizing is operating outside that rule.

Do I need a separate architect for a remodel?

Florida requires sealed plans from a registered architect or engineer for most structural work, additions over a certain size, and any change to load-bearing walls. Cosmetic remodels (paint, flooring, non-structural cabinetry) typically do not. A reputable general contractor will tell you upfront if sealed plans are required.

How long do permits usually take in Longwood?

Residential permit turnaround in the Longwood area typically runs 2–6 weeks for additions and major remodels, faster for simple permits like water heaters or windows. Your contractor should give you a realistic timeline based on the current backlog at the relevant Longwood or county building department — not a fixed promise.

General Contracting Contractors in Longwood, FL

Finding a qualified general contracting contractor in Longwood, FL can make a significant difference on larger home renovation or commercial construction projects. This directory currently lists 3 general contracting contractors serving the Longwood area, giving local property owners a starting point for comparing licensed professionals.

Longwood sits within the Orlando metropolitan area and shares the region's humid subtropical climate, which brings hot, humid summers, mild winters, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Florida's climate conditions and the requirements of the Florida Building Code both play an important role in how larger construction and renovation projects are planned, permitted, and built here.

Browse listings below to compare local options.

General Contracting

Herrera Contractors

★ 5.0 (76 reviews)

900 Fox Valley Dr #202, Longwood, FL 32779

General Contracting

Royal Lyon Construction

Florida CBC License

★ 5.0 (36 reviews)

350 Markham Woods Rd, Longwood, FL 32779

General Contracting

Gomez Contractors

★ 4.8 (107 reviews)

160 W Evergreen Ave, Longwood, FL 32750

Hiring a general contracting contractor in Longwood, FL

A general contractor in Longwood, FL is the right hire when your project touches structure, multiple trades, or anything requiring a building permit beyond a single sub-trade — home additions, full remodels, garage conversions, ADUs, and major renovations. The directory below lists active general contractors so you can shortlist by location, then verify each one's Florida license before signing.

In Florida the general contractor of record is legally responsible for the permit, the inspections, and the trades they bring onto your job — which is why hiring an unlicensed "handyman" for a permitted project leaves you, the homeowner, holding the liability if something goes wrong.

How to verify a general contracting contractor's license in Florida

Look for license type: CGC — Certified General Contractor

Go to myfloridalicense.com, the official Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) portal, and use "Verify a License." Search by the contractor's business name, the qualifier's individual name, or the license number itself. Confirm the license type is "CGC — Certified General Contractor," the status reads "Current, Active," the expiration date is in the future, and there is no disciplinary or complaint history attached to the record.

CGC is the broadest residential/commercial certification. You may also see CBC (Certified Building Contractor — limited to structures 3 stories or less and 20,000 sq ft or less) or CRC (Certified Residential Contractor — 1- and 2-family dwellings only). All three are valid for most home projects; the difference is scope.

Verify a license at myfloridalicense.com →

Why verifying matters in Florida

Florida law (§ 489.127, F.S.) makes it a third-degree felony to contract without a license on a project valued at $5,000 or more, or any size project during a declared state of emergency. Verifying licensure before you sign a contract is the single most important step you can take to protect your home and your deposit. Central Florida's hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and unlicensed storm-chasing crews routinely move through Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties after a major event. Confirming an active state license — and an in-state business address you can actually drive to — keeps you out of that risk pool. Generals coordinate every other trade on your project, so a missing or expired license here cascades into uninsured subs and uninspected work.

Questions to ask before you hire

Will you pull the permit in your company's license, and can you give me the permit number once it's filed?
Can I see your current Certificate of Insurance — general liability and workers' compensation — listing me as certificate holder?
Who is the project manager I will actually talk to day-to-day, and how often will I get written progress updates?
What is your draw schedule, and is the final draw tied to passing the final inspection and a punch list being closed?
Which subcontractors will you bring onto the job (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing), and are they all separately licensed in Florida?

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a general contractor and a handyman?: In Florida, a handyman can legally perform minor repairs and individual non-structural tasks under $1,000 with no permit required. The moment a project requires a building permit, involves structural work, or combines multiple trades, you need a state-licensed contractor (CGC, CBC, or CRC). The dividing line is the permit, not the price.
Should I pay a large deposit upfront?: Florida law caps the upfront deposit on residential work at 10% of the contract price before any materials are delivered or work begins (§ 489.126, F.S.). Any contractor asking for 30%, 40%, or 50% upfront before mobilizing is operating outside that rule.
Do I need a separate architect for a remodel?: Florida requires sealed plans from a registered architect or engineer for most structural work, additions over a certain size, and any change to load-bearing walls. Cosmetic remodels (paint, flooring, non-structural cabinetry) typically do not. A reputable general contractor will tell you upfront if sealed plans are required.
How long do permits usually take in Longwood?: Residential permit turnaround in the Longwood area typically runs 2–6 weeks for additions and major remodels, faster for simple permits like water heaters or windows. Your contractor should give you a realistic timeline based on the current backlog at the relevant Longwood or county building department — not a fixed promise.