Before you offer professional handyman services in Mississippi, it’s smart to know what you can lawfully do. This will keep you out of legal trouble and allow you to earn money with confidence.
I’ve pored over pages of complex legal jargon, spoken to inspectors, and reviewed laws published by the state’s regulatory agencies. Here’s what I’ve found.
Do I need a handyman license to offer services in Mississippi?
No. The state doesn’t offer a handyman license.
Handymen can provide up to $10,000 in services without applying for a license or taking any administrative steps. If your work pushes you over the $10K threshold, however, you’ll need to obtain a General Contractor’s license.
Mississippi has one of the most lenient regulatory climates I’ve come across for specialized work such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. None of these are regulated at the state level, so Mississippi doesn’t require an electrical, plumbing, or HVAC license to perform work in these fields. It’s important to note, however, that cities and counties can impose their own license requirements.
For this reason, it’s advisable to check with the City Hall near you to be clear on regulations in the region you’ll be working.
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Are there any other requirements for handymen in Mississippi?
Yes. Registering a DBA (Doing Business As) name is required if you choose to operate your business under anything but your legal name. If Joe Smith names his business “Joe’s Handyman Services,” for example, he’ll need to file a DBA. If he labels his business “Joe Smith,” however, he won’t need to file, as his legal name is his business name.
DBAs are processed through the Secretary of State’s Office. Start by visiting the site, selecting Business Services & External Affairs, clicking on Business Forms, and creating a login. The cost is $25.
DBA filing begins here.
Limitations for Handymen
Handymen in Mississippi without a GC license must keep jobs under $10,000.
They are also restricted from hiring themselves out as subcontractors. Handymen without additional licensing are limited to contracting with homeowners.
Advertising Restrictions
Mississippi adheres to truth-in-advertising laws, prohibiting false or misleading statements in the marketing of products or services.
To comply with state regulations and avoid penalties, all contractors in the state, including handymen, must not promote credentials they don’t have. As an example, don’t present yourself as a General Contractor if you don’t have a GC license.
Insurance Requirements
Workers’ Compensation coverage is required in Mississippi if you have more than five employees working under you. For those working independently, Worker’s Comp. isn’t mandated.
While General Liability insurance isn’t required of handymen, it’s recommended, as even one serious claim against you can bankrupt your business and personal finances. For those with a General Contractor license, however, the rules change…liability coverage is required.
Insurance is reasonably priced if you get it here.
How do I obtain a General Contractor’s license?
Applications for Residential General Contractors are available through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. The process includes an exam and a $50 fee.
A helpful “how-to” video that walks viewers through the process step by step is available here.
Penalties for Contracting Illegally in Nebraska
Handymen who take on remodeling or roofing projects over the $10,000 project limit face real penalties. Likewise, so do contractors who perform trade work, such as electrical and plumbing, without the proper licensing in counties that require it.
Violations for performing residential construction without a GC license, for example, will cost you up to $5,000 in fines and 60 days in jail. Page 3 of the State Board of Contractors’ Laws details these disciplinary measures.
Be smart—work within the parameters the Mississippi Board of Contractors has laid out. The penalties aren’t worth it.
Conclusion
Mississippi offers some of the most welcoming conditions I’ve come across for handyman startups. In many counties, individuals are able to take on jobs worth up to $10,000 in value before taking a single administrative step.
In several jurisdictions, handymen can even take on electrical, plumbing, and HVAC tasks. Additionally, no education, training, examination, or background check is required to provide handyman services up to the $10K threshold.
As long as Mississippi handymen check in with City Hall in the area they plan to work–and remain mindful of restrictions on project caps–a multitude of income-generating projects are available to them.
Do you offer handyman services in Mississippi?
If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below to share any insights I may have missed.
