Handyman license requirements in Mississippi
Short answer: Mississippi requires a residential remodeler license from the State Board of Contractors for home repair and remodeling jobs over $10,000. Smaller jobs don't need a state license, but check your city.
General information, not legal advice. Checked October 13, 2026 against the sources below. Rules change, so confirm with the agency before you take a job.
State Board of Contractors
Residential remodeling, repair and improvement jobs over $10,000 need a residential remodeler license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Residential roofing over $10,000 needs a license too, and new home construction over $50,000 needs a residential builder license. Commercial work falls under separate commercial classifications.
Trade work and local rules
Below the state threshold, cities and counties set the rules for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work on homes, and many require a local license or permit. Check with the building office where you work.
Before your first job in Mississippi
- Register your business name with the state or county, and get a sales tax permit if Mississippi taxes your services.
- Carry general liability insurance. Customers and property managers often ask for proof, and some local licenses require it. See handyman insurance explained.
- Put the scope and price in writing before you start. A simple handyman contract or a free written quote covers it.
- Know your prices. The handyman price list has typical rates for common jobs.
Official sources
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Questions
Do you need a license to be a handyman in Mississippi?
Not from the state for residential jobs of $10,000 or less. Above that you need a residential remodeler license, and cities may have their own rules.
More guides
- Handyman insurance: what coverage you need, explained simplyLiability, tools, auto and workers' comp, in plain English.
- Handyman contract template (free, with what to include)Scope, price, payments, change orders, warranty and cancellation.
- Do you need a license to be a handyman? Rules by stateDollar limits, trade work and local rules, state by state.
- How to start a handyman business: a checklistLicensing, insurance, pricing and your first customers.