Businesses in the commercial, contractor, home improvement, and specialty contractor lines are highly regulated by countless state and local authorities. Contractors of every type, from electrical and commercial to landscape and home remodeling may need to comply with a state’s unique contractor licensing laws, specialty classifications, and application requirements before they can start operating.
Some states require contractor licensing while others require registration or certification. While there are some differences between the three, the exact definitions typically vary by state. This general contractor overview details the governing authorities, licensing/registration requirements, and penalties for noncompliance for each.
