GA
Georgia permits & licenses
Last verified October 15, 2026
General information, not legal advice.
License thresholds and permit rules change, and your city or county enforces the permit. Local rules vary. Anything this research could not confirm is shown as “Check with your local building department,” not as a rule you can rely on.
Contractor license
Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential & General Contractors (Secretary of State); trades: Construction Industry Licensing Board
Residential contractor license required when the value of residential work exceeds $2,500 (O.C.G.A. 43-41-2/43-41-17). Electrical, plumbing, and conditioned-air work need separate Chapter 14 trade licenses.
Homeowner exemption
Summary
Homeowner may do electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and low-voltage work in a dwelling they own and occupy, with permits and inspections; they can't hire unlicensed people for that work (O.C.G.A. 43-14-19 - note the Justia heading says effective July 1, 2026; verify the current text).
Electrical
Allowed in owner-occupied dwelling with permit.
Plumbing
Allowed with permit.
HVAC
Allowed with permit.
Permit notes for common projects
Permit triggers are set and enforced locally (county/city building department), under the state code listed. Always confirm with the local building department.
Governing code
Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (IRC with GA amendments, DCA); local enforcement is optional
Water heater
Check with your local building department
Toilet
Check with your local building department
Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI
Check with your local building department
Fence
Check with your local building department
Deck
Check with your local building department
Shed
Check with your local building department
What this page does not confirm
- The 43-14-19 text changed effective July 1, 2026; confirm the homeowner language.
Sources
Projects that hit these rules
Published by Fixit Express. Last verified October 15, 2026. Full disclaimer