Registrations, insurances, and licenses can be sent to CityPermits@sarasotafl.gov
Note: Contractors and Specialty Tradespersons are subject to Local Business Tax Receipt if their business is operated from a location within the City of Sarasota City Limits. For most Contractors/Specialty Tradespersons, the cost is approximately $50.00 annually depending on your business location and classification.
State Certified Contractors
State Certified Contractors are required to register with the City of Sarasota and provide proper credentials to include: copy of Certified State License, proof of Certificate of Liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation Insurance or exemptions. There is no fee for Certified Contractors.
State Registered Contractors
State Registered Contractors are required to register with the City of Sarasota and provide credentials to include: copy of Registered License, copy of Letter of Reciprocity from Sarasota County, Copy of Certificate of Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation. Note that the signature on the Contractor’s Affidavit must be sworn and notarized. For convenience, City Staff includes a notary public with a fee. Contractors must renew their registration by October 1st every two years. Registration fee is $50.00.
Specialty Tradespersons
Specialty Tradespersons (anyone who performs work under contract within the City of Sarasota and whose trade or craft is not certified or registered by the State of Florida) are required to register prior to pulling a permit or performing work. This primarily affects landscape contractors, tree removal services, painters, drywall contractors, framing contractors and other skilled craftsmen and craftswomen whose trade is not registered with the State. Specialty Tradespersons must provide proof of liability insurance ($50,000 per person/$100,000 per occurrence), proof of Worker's Compensation Insurance (or an exemption by the State of Florida Waiver Form BCM 204). If you have taken a local examination and have received a competency card from your jurisdiction, please provide a copy of that card. The registration fee is $150.00 every 2 years. Specialty Tradespersons must renew their registration by October 1st every two years.