Can a handyman legally do this job?
Pick the state, the job value and the kind of work. We compare it with that state’s handyman exemption: the most a handyman can charge without a contractor license.
Not legal advice. Verify with your state licensing board before relying on it. These limits were compiled from secondary sources and change; city and county rules can apply on top. Data last updated October 2, 2026.
Rules that apply in every state
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas and structural work are excluded from every exemption.
- Work requiring a building permit usually voids the exemption.
- Splitting one project into multiple invoices to stay under the cap is prohibited.
- City/county licensing may apply on top of state rules.
Hire handymen without guessing
SubSub warns you before a work order goes over the state's handyman limit, tracks every sub's license and insurance, and keeps the record when somebody asks.
See plans and start freeHandyman limits by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Questions
How much can a handyman charge without a license?
It depends on the state. Some set a limit per job, some per year, some have no exemption at all, and some do not license contractors at the state level. Pick a state above for its figure.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas and structural work are excluded from every exemption. Those trades need their own license whatever the job is worth.