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 Winter Park?

Residential permit turnaround in the Winter Park 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 Winter Park or county building department — not a fixed promise.

General Contracting Contractors in Winter Park, FL

This directory lists 12 general contracting contractors serving Winter Park, FL, part of the greater Orlando metropolitan area. Whether you are planning a home addition, a commercial build-out, or a major renovation, these local contractors are equipped to manage the full scope of your project.

Working in Winter Park means navigating Florida's humid subtropical climate alongside the requirements of the Florida Building Code, both of which play a significant role in how larger residential and commercial projects are permitted and constructed. Choosing a contractor familiar with these local conditions can help keep your project on track and up to code.

Browse listings below to compare local options.

General Contracting

Brannon Construction Co

Florida CGC License

★ 5.0 (3 reviews)

1007 Lewis Dr Ste 200, Winter Park, FL 32789

General Contracting

A Revelation Remodeling Inc.

★ 5.0 (28 reviews)

400 W Comstock Ave G1, Winter Park, FL 32789

General Contracting

C&D Bronx Roofers

★ 5.0 (33 reviews)

General Contracting

Gomez Construction Co

Florida CBC License

★ 5.0 (3 reviews)

750 Jackson Ave # 100, Winter Park, FL 32789

General Contracting

Parthy Construction LLC

Florida CBC License

★ 5.0 (5 reviews)

401 W Fairbanks Ave #100, Winter Park, FL 32789

General Contracting

Orange Build And Design LLC

Florida CGC License

★ 4.9 (56 reviews)

141 Lincoln Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

General Contracting

Orlando ADU Construction by Mint Builders

★ 4.8 (19 reviews)

1919 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

General Contracting

ResCom Contractors

★ 4.5 (4 reviews)

2487 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

General Contracting

Pearsall Construction, Inc.

★ 4.2 (10 reviews)

General Contracting

Capri Contractors

★ 4.2 (10 reviews)

601 N New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

General Contracting

Charles Clayton Construction

Florida CGC License

★ 3.9 (10 reviews)

2250 Lee Rd #120, Winter Park, FL 32789

General Contracting

Hanson Construction, Inc.

Florida CGC License

★ 3.4 (5 reviews)

1201 Fairview Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Hiring a general contracting contractor in Winter Park, FL

A general contractor in Winter Park, 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 Winter Park?: Residential permit turnaround in the Winter Park 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 Winter Park or county building department — not a fixed promise.