Drywall and surface repairs
Show the damaged area, overall wall or ceiling, texture, approximate dimensions, and any evidence of an active leak that must be resolved first.
Orlando-area repair projects
Turn the whole repair list into one organized project.
Describe every task in plain language. Add photos and rough measurements. Otto helps separate ordinary repairs from work that may require a licensed trade, permit, or additional review before a local pro is introduced.
Repairs that are easier to review when the details are together
These examples are intake categories, not a statement that every item can be completed by the same person or without a permit.
Doors, trim, and hardware
Record which door or opening is affected, whether it rubs or will not latch, the hardware type, and photos of the frame, hinges, and surrounding trim.
Caulking and finish maintenance
Identify the material, location, moisture exposure, failed joint, and whether staining or softness suggests a larger water problem.
Mounting and assembly
Include product instructions, dimensions, wall type, mounting location, and any known plumbing or electrical lines near the work area.
Small exterior maintenance
Use safe ground-level photos to show the complete area, access conditions, material type, height, and signs of rot, movement, or water entry.
Several repairs in one visit
List each task separately. Otto can keep the tasks together while flagging items that may need a different trade, permit, or additional inspection.
Florida scope boundary
The under-$1,000 rule is narrow—not a blanket handyman license.
As of July 2026, Florida Statute 489.103(9) contains an exemption for work that is casual, minor, or inconsequential when the aggregate price for labor, materials, and all other items is less than $1,000. The statute also says the exemption cannot be used to divide a larger project and does not apply when someone advertises or represents that they are qualified to engage in contracting.
This page is general project-intake information, not legal advice or a project-specific licensing decision.
Read Florida Statute 489.103Signals that a licensed trade or permit review may be needed
- Electrical wiring, circuits, panels, or other work that may require an electrical permit
- Plumbing supply, drainage, gas, water-heater, or other regulated plumbing work
- HVAC equipment, refrigerant, duct-system, or mechanical-permit work
- Roofing, structural alterations, load-bearing components, or work requiring engineered review
- Any project for which the local permitting authority requires a licensed contractor or trade permit
Orlando addresses do not all use the same permitting office
A mailing address that says Orlando may be inside the City of Orlando or in unincorporated Orange County. The property jurisdiction—not the mailing label—determines which local permitting office applies. City guidance states that permits are required for most construction and that separate trade permits may be required for electrical, plumbing, gas, and other work.
What to collect before a pro reviews the repair list
Better inputs do not replace an onsite evaluation, but they reduce avoidable back-and-forth and help identify mismatched trades sooner.
- A separate sentence for each repair
- Wide and close-up photos of every affected area
- Approximate width, height, length, or quantity
- The material involved, when known
- Whether the issue is active, intermittent, or cosmetic
- Access constraints, ceiling height, pets, parking, or occupied-room limitations
- Your preferred timing and any hard deadline
- The property address so the correct jurisdiction can be checked
Common questions
Does Florida have a general handyman license?
The word handyman does not determine whether someone may legally perform a particular scope. Authorization depends on the actual work, permits, state and local licensing rules, and how the person represents the service. Verify the exact scope with the applicable permitting authority and Florida DBPR before work begins.
Does the Florida under-$1,000 exemption cover every small repair?
No. Florida Statute 489.103(9) describes a narrow exemption for work that is casual, minor, or inconsequential and totals less than $1,000 for labor, materials, and all other items. It does not allow a larger job to be divided to avoid licensing rules, does not override permit or licensed-trade requirements, and has additional restrictions.
Can I combine several repairs into one request?
Yes. List every task, even when you are unsure whether one person can complete all of them. Otto can organize the request while keeping electrical, plumbing, structural, roofing, or other regulated items clearly separated for proper review.
Does submitting the project guarantee that a pro is available?
No. OttoServ reviews the project and current Local Pro Network capacity. Provider availability, final pricing, licensing, permits, and scheduling must be confirmed before work begins.
Start with the complete list.
Otto can help organize the repair request and identify missing details. Final scope, licensing, permits, pricing, provider availability, and scheduling must be confirmed before work begins.
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