Short answer: most handyman jobs cost $150 to $600 in total (Fixr, national; HomeGuide gives the same range). Expect a minimum charge for small jobs, and higher prices from licensed, insured contractors and for emergency calls.
These are typical ranges, not quotes. Below is a price list for common jobs and what a handyman can and can't legally do in Florida.
Minimum charges and trip fees
Small jobs usually carry a minimum. Fixr cites a $130 minimum charge as typical. HomeGuide notes that some handymen add a 20% to 50% markup on materials or a trip charge of $30 to $80. Emergency calls cost more (Fixr). Grouping several small jobs into one visit is the easiest way to save.
Handyman prices list for common jobs
National figures (labor and typical materials as the source describes):
| Job | Typical cost | Source | Do it yourself? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall patch, small hole | $20–$120 | HomeAdvisor | Yes: patch kit and spackle |
| Caulking (tub, windows) | $105–$290 | HomeAdvisor | Yes: remove old caulk fully first |
| Furniture assembly | $50–$150 | Angi | Yes, with time and patience |
| TV mounting | $150–$347, avg $248 | HomeAdvisor | Some of it: find the studs; no outlets or wiring behind the wall without a licensed electrical contractor |
| Kitchen faucet replacement | $162–$364 | HomeAdvisor | Some of it: a straight swap yes; new lines or valves, call a licensed plumbing contractor |
| Ceiling fan installation | $337–$613, avg $475 | Fixr | No for new wiring or boxes: hire a licensed electrical contractor |
| Fence repair | $304–$948, avg $618 | HomeAdvisor | Some of it: loose boards and gates |
| Weather stripping | about $265 | HomeAdvisor | Yes |
| Tile and grout repair | about $440 | HomeAdvisor | Some of it: regrouting a small area |
For drywall pricing in detail, see our drywall repair price guide.
What can a handyman do in Florida without a license?
Florida law has a narrow exemption for minor work. Under Florida Statute 489.103(9), work "of a casual, minor, or inconsequential nature" is exempt when the total price for labor, materials and everything else is less than $2,500. The exemption doesn't apply if:
- the job is part of a larger project, or a bigger job is split into smaller contracts to stay under $2,500; or
- the person advertises as a contractor or says they're qualified to do contracting.
Two more limits matter:
- Work that needs a permit, structural work and life-safety work never count as "casual, minor." The state licensing board's rule lists work affecting structural components, toxic or hazardous chemicals, access or egress, accommodations for people with disabilities, life-safety matters, and any work that needs a building permit (r. 61G4-12.011(2), F.A.C.).
- Pinellas County has a lower limit for some trades. For trades the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) still licenses, the local minor-work exemption is under $500 (ch. 2024-294, Laws of Fla., s. 16(9)). Call the PCCLB at (727) 582-3100 to check before hiring for those trades.
Trade work is a separate question from price. Florida licenses electrical, plumbing, mechanical/air-conditioning and roofing contractors separately (s. 489.105(3), s. 489.505), and even general contractors must subcontract that work to a contractor licensed in the trade (s. 489.113(3)). Some websites still say the minor-work limit is $1,000; the current statute says $2,500.
Our post on handyman vs. licensed contractor goes deeper on which jobs need a license and a permit, and our contractor guide covers what a handyman can do without a license in Florida. You can check any contractor's license on the Florida DBPR license lookup.
About us: Patrick's Handyman and Remodeling Services is a Florida Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC1541672), so the $2,500 limit doesn't apply to work within our license. On projects we manage, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work is subcontracted to Florida-licensed trade contractors who pull their own permits. We don't contract stand-alone electrical, plumbing, HVAC or roofing jobs.
What drives handyman prices
- Job size and minimums. Small jobs pay the trip and minimum.
- Materials. Fixtures, fans and faucets are often extra.
- Licensing and insurance. Licensed, insured contractors cost more and can legally do more.
- Permits. Work that needs a permit needs a licensed contractor, unless the owner pulls an owner-builder permit for their own home.
- Timing. Evenings, weekends and emergencies cost more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a handyman cost?
Most handyman jobs cost $150 to $600 in total (Fixr and HomeGuide, national). Small jobs usually carry a minimum charge, and licensed, insured contractors and emergency calls cost more.
What is a handyman's minimum charge?
Many handymen charge a minimum for small jobs. Fixr cites a $130 minimum as typical, and HomeGuide notes trip charges of $30 to $80. Bundling several small jobs into one visit saves money.
What can a handyman legally do in Florida?
State law exempts casual, minor work under $2,500 total that isn't part of a larger project, as long as the person doesn't advertise as a contractor (Florida Statute 489.103(9)). The licensing board's rule says work that needs a permit, structural work and life-safety work never qualify (r. 61G4-12.011(2), F.A.C.). In Pinellas County, trades the PCCLB still licenses have a lower limit: under $500 (ch. 2024-294, Laws of Fla., s. 16(9)); call the PCCLB at (727) 582-3100 to check. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing contracting are separately licensed trades, no matter the price.
How much does a handyman charge to install a ceiling fan?
Fixr puts ceiling fan installation at $337 to $613 nationally. If the job needs new wiring or a new fan-rated box, anyone you hire for it must be a licensed electrical contractor (s. 489.505, Fla. Stat.).
Sources
- HomeAdvisor, "How Much Does a Handyman Cost?" (updated June 17, 2026)
- HomeGuide, Pinellas Park handyman FAQ (2026)
- Fixr, "Handyman Cost" (updated January 30, 2025)
- HomeAdvisor, "TV Mounting Cost" (updated June 19, 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, "Fence Repair Cost" (updated June 20, 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, "Cost of Caulking" (updated June 19, 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, "Faucet Installation Cost" (updated June 17, 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, "How Much Does Drywall Repair Cost?" (updated June 17, 2026)
- Angi, "Furniture Assembly Cost" (updated September 18, 2026)
- Fixr, "Ceiling Fan Installation Cost" (updated January 31, 2025)
- Florida Statutes s. 489.103 (2026)
- Florida Statutes s. 489.105: contractor definitions
- Florida Statutes s. 489.113: subcontracting licensed trades
- Florida Statutes s. 489.505: electrical contracting definitions
- Florida Administrative Code r. 61G4-12.011
- Laws of Florida ch. 2024-294 (Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board charter)
- Pinellas County: Contractor Licensing
These ranges come from the published sources listed above (Tampa Bay, Florida or national, as marked). They aren't PHRS prices or quotes. Every home is different, so we price each job after seeing it. Ask for a free estimate.
General information, not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Rules change and vary by city; confirm with your building department, DBPR, your insurer, an attorney or an engineer as fits.