You do not need a license to install cabinets, countertops, or tile by the state of Florida, which is among the most strict. This lack of enforcement keeps this repairperson quite busy, believe me. I am a licensed Florida building contractor, CBC1259693.

Responsible countertop manufacturers only sell to "certified" fabricators. You can't buy Corian or Dekton without their training. Again, the lack of enforcement of their own rules keeps me busy.

In Florida, if an unlicensed "contractor" does work for which he is supposed to be licensed and pull a permit, you have no obligation to pay him. His contract is unenforceable by him, however, you can enforce the contract against him.

Not to my knowledge in Kansas or Missouri. As a small one man business, I did a counter top now and then. But only prebuilts or tile types. Never did Corian or similar brands.

In Cali (where they license EVERYTHING), slab work falls under the Ceramic Tile license.

The Commonwealth of Virginia differentiates between a fabricator (manufacturer) and an installer. The installer is a contractor (contractor's license required) ; the fabricator is not (no license required.)

Sometimes licensing is a good thing. However many states have gone overboard - and us licensing as a revenue generator.

You cannot feel your job is over because someone has a license. You need to choose the slabs, figure out and approve the layout and examine and approve the product before it leaves the shop. Look at seam layout. And ask for a sample of or see how any seams are treated. Look at past work of the installers for that. And there's more. . .like proper sink install and more. Start by reading counter problem threads in the kitchen forum and make a list. Talk about everything with the fabricator and installers ahead of time to set your reasonable standards.

If you hire a general contractor, they should have already vetted their trade partners to ensure they produce quality results. If you are acting as your own GC, then the task is yours to vet them.

In California, the correct license is probably a C-54 tile contractor; one of the things a tile contractor does is:

"C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile--A ceramic and mosaic tile contractor . . . installs . . . natural or simulated stone slabs for bathtubs, showers and
horizontal surfaces inside of buildings . . . ." (Section 832.54 California Code of Regulations)

Does a business owner need a cabinet license to install cabinets for customers?

HU:

That depends upon the state you're in. Cabinet installation, tile, and painting are all specifically excluded from Florida contracting licensing law.

As Joseph notes above, it depends on your particular state's contractor laws. Here in Virginia, a cabinetmaker doesn't need a contractor license to fabricate cabinets, but he/she would need a contractor's license to install them.

I understand now in Orlando Florida doesn't need a license to install kitchen cabinets. but if the owner without any licenses subcontract to some one to install the cabinets and countertops without a license also and did a bad job. In this case is the owner (Seller) act as a license contractor but actually he doesn't has a license to do that? What can a homeowner do to get back the half deposit paid? and some one give me any advise? Thanks