US trade business rules, state by state

Trade businesses in the United States are regulated state by state, and the differences are not trivia: whether you need a license at all, how many days you have to protect your right to be paid, whether workers comp is compulsory and even whether your labor is taxed all change at the state line. These guides cover the rules that actually bite, licensing, mechanics liens, insurance, tax and OSHA, for one state at a time, in plain language, with links to the official boards.

Ten states are live so far, chosen for their trade populations; more are on the way. Each guide is reviewed and updated as thresholds and statutes change.

Choose your state

• Texas: What Texas electricians.
• California: CSLB licensing and the new $1.
• Florida: Florida contractor licensing after local licenses ended in July 2025.
• New York: Why New York trade licensing is local.
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania HICPA registration for home improvement contractors.
• Ohio: Ohio OCILB licensing for commercial electrical.
• Georgia: Georgia contractor licensing over $2.
• North Carolina: North Carolina GC licensing at $40.
• Arizona: Arizona ROC licensing above $1.
• Washington: Washington L&I contractor registration and the doubled bonds.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Licensing thresholds, lien statutes and tax rules change; always confirm current requirements with the licensing board, an attorney or your accountant before relying on them.