Who can fix it in Georgia? Handyman and contractor license rules

Sources

1. O.C.G.A. § 43-41-2(9) (residential contractor; 2024 SB 503, Act 583) — Georgia General Assemblywhere the total value of the work or activity or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work, whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00
2. O.C.G.A. § 43-41-2(9) (trade work by residential contractors; 2024 SB 503) — Georgia General Assemblyany work contractually undertaken by a residential contractor in the nature of electrical contracting, plumbing, conditioned air contracting, low voltage contracting, or utility contracting which falls within the licensing requirements of Chapter 14 of this title may not be performed by the residential contractor but shall only be performed by a person who is duly licensed to perform such work under Chapter 14 of this title.
3. O.C.G.A. § 43-14-8(b)(1) (electrical license; 2026 SB 553, Act 472) — Office of the Governor of Georgia (signed legislation)No person shall engage in electrical contracting unless such person has a valid license issued by the division.
4. O.C.G.A. § 43-14-2 (electrical contracting defined; 2026 SB 553) — Office of the Governor of Georgia (signed legislation)'Electrical contracting' means the installation, maintenance, alteration, or repair of any electrical equipment, apparatus, control system, or electrical wiring device which is attached to or incorporated into any building or structure in this state but shall not include low voltage contracting.
5. O.C.G.A. § 43-14-13(b) (master plumber license; 2026 SB 553) — Office of the Governor of Georgia (signed legislation)No person shall engage in plumbing contracting as a Master Plumber Class I or a Master Plumber Class II unless such person has a valid license issued by the division.
6. O.C.G.A. § 43-14-14(b) (conditioned air license; 2026 SB 553) — Office of the Governor of Georgia (signed legislation)No person shall engage in conditioned air contracting unless such person has a valid license issued by the division.
7. O.C.G.A. § 43-14-19(a) (scope of trade licensing; 2026 SB 553) — Office of the Governor of Georgia (signed legislation)This chapter shall apply to all installations, alterations, and repairs of plumbing, air conditioning and heating, or electrical or low voltage wiring or utility systems within or on public or private buildings, structures, or premises except as otherwise provided in this Code section.
8. O.C.G.A. § 43-14-19(d)(1) (homeowner trade work; 2026 SB 553) — Office of the Governor of Georgia (signed legislation)An individual from installing, altering, or repairing plumbing fixtures, air conditioning and heating, air conditioning and heating fixtures, utility systems, or electrical or low voltage wiring services in a residential dwelling owned or occupied by such individual; provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformity with all other provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board, and any applicable county or municipal resolutions, ordinances, codes, or inspection requirements;
9. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 553-8-.01(1) (Repair Rule: written disclosure) — Georgia Secretary of State (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)the person performing the repair work discloses in writing to the owner that such person/entity is not licensed as a residential or general contractor under this chapter;
10. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 553-8-.01(3) (Repair Rule: no structural or life-safety work) — Georgia Secretary of State (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)the work does not affect the life safety requirements or structural integrity of the real property. Such repairs shall not include the removal or addition of any load bearing wall or the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load bearing support;
11. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 553-8-.01 (Repair Rule: trade licenses still apply) — Georgia Secretary of State (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)The repair exception recognized by O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17(g) and this Rule shall in no way impact or diminish the licensing requirements of Chapter 14 of Title 43 (Electrical Contracting, Plumbing, Conditioned Air Contracting, Low-Voltage Contracting and Utility Contracting).
12. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 553-8-.01(4) (Repair Rule: permits) — Georgia Secretary of State (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)The person performing repair must obtain permits and inspections as required by the local authority.
13. Traditional Specialty Contractors Policy Statements — Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Secretary of State)Traditional specialty contractors will not be required to carry a residential or general contractor license but will be required to comply with all applicable national, state, and local codes and ordinances.
14. Traditional Specialty Contractors Policy Statements (specialty list, revised 03/06/20) — Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Secretary of State)Sheet Metal Roofing Shelving and Bins which includes: Prefabricated mezzanines Shingles and Shakes Siding
15. O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17(b) (unlicensed contracts unenforceable; 2024 SB 503) — Georgia General Assemblyany contract entered into on or after July 1, 2008, for the performance of work for which a residential contractor or commercial general contractor license is required by this chapter and not otherwise exempted under this chapter and which is between an owner and a contractor who does not have a valid and current license required for such work in accordance with this chapter shall be unenforceable in law or in equity by the unlicensed contractor.
16. O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17(b) (no lien for unlicensed contractor; 2024 SB 503) — Georgia General Assemblyif a contract is rendered unenforceable under this subsection, no lien or bond claim shall exist in favor of the unlicensed contractor for any labor, services, or materials provided under the contract or any amendment thereto.
17. O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17(h) (owner-builder; 2024 SB 503) — Georgia General AssemblyNothing in this chapter shall preclude any person from constructing a building or structure on real property owned by such person which is intended upon completion for use or occupancy solely by that person and his or her family, firm, or corporation and its employees, and not for use by the general public and not offered for sale or lease.
18. O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17(h) (owner supervises; 2024 SB 503) — Georgia General AssemblyIn so doing, such person may act as his or her own contractor personally providing direct supervision and management of all work not performed by licensed contractors.
19. O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17(h) (24-month rule; 2024 SB 503) — Georgia General Assemblyhas previously sold or transferred a building or structure which had been constructed by such person acting without a licensed residential or commercial general contractor within the prior 24 month period, starting from the date on which a certificate of occupancy was issued for such building or structure
20. Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (building your own home) — Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Secretary of State)Georgia does not require that you hold a license to build your own home; however, check with your local authority having jurisdiction to ensure you comply with all required local building codes and regulations.
21. Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQ (insurance) — Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors (Secretary of State)Insurance is a condition of applying for and maintaining licensure.
22. Summary of General Statutes Enacted at the 2026 Session (Act 472; SB 553) — Georgia Office of Legislative CounselThis Act repeals and reenacts Chapter 14 of Title 43 concerning the licensing of electrical, low voltage, utility, plumbing, and conditioned air contractors. The Act amends O.C.G.A. Sections 43-1-34 and 48-7-38 and repeals and reenacts O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-14. Effective July 1, 2026.

Checked October 20, 2026. We used AI-assisted research, then separate review passes that tried to prove each claim wrong against the law and agency pages above. This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change; confirm with the state board or your local building department before you hire or start work. See a mistake? Email [email protected].