Mississippi contractor licenses: one state board, dollar thresholds and a separate pest license

Mississippi routes almost all contractor licensing through one agency, which makes the map simpler than in many states and the thresholds more important. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) says commercial and residential contractors and roofers must be licensed,. Lawn, ornamental and pest work sits with a different agency. This page covers both, plus the trades that need no state license. The facts below were read from the board's and agencies' pages in October 2026, so confirm with the board before you bid.

For the paperwork that comes first, see our Mississippi startup guide. For comparison with other states, use the licensing boards table.

Where the dollar lines fall in Mississippi

Dollar amounts decide who needs a license here, and the numbers come from two statutes.

The commercial statute also exempts several kinds of work. Small private fire-protection jobs under $10,000 are excluded, as is work on oil and gas wells and pipelines. Source text for both statutes comes from FindLaw's copy of Miss. Code 31-3-1 and 73-59-1, which carry a notice that they may not show the newest amendments. Check the Legislature's current text before relying on a number.

The practical reading: a handyman doing a $4,000 bathroom refresh sits below the remodeler line. A $14,000 kitchen remodel sits above it. MSBOC's page also says one residential selection is covered by the application fee and each extra specialty costs $100 (MSBOC classifications). We did not find a published dollar threshold for the residential electrical, plumbing, HVAC or roofer licenses, so call the board at 601-354-6161 before you assume small jobs are exempt.

The nine residential classifications

MSBOC lists these residential licenses, and each limits the holder to its own scope.

• Residential builder (exam required): construction, remodeling, repair or improvement of a residential building occupied by 50 or fewer families and not more than three floors, or a commercial structure when the job is not more than 7,500 square feet. Scope includes remodeling and roofing within those limits. The scope excludes industrial or process piping.
• Residential remodeler (exam): remodeling, repair or improvement of any residential building up to three floors, including roofing within the stated limits.
• Residential roofer (exam): roof coverings and roof drainage on residential structures, and only that.
• Residential electrical, HVAC and plumbing (exam for each): installation, maintenance and repair in that trade only. A residential mechanical license needs both the HVAC and plumbing tests and covers both trades.
• Residential construction manager (exam): managing residential construction or improvement for an owner, without being the builder or remodeler.
• Residential solar (exam): residential solar and photovoltaic systems. The holder must also hold the classification needed to make electrical or mechanical connections.

Our roofing license guide shows how Mississippi's roofer license compares with other states.

Commercial classifications that matter to home-service trades

Several trades that residential owners do not think of as construction appear as commercial specialties in MSBOC's list. Commercial work above the $50,000 line needs the right classification.

• Hydroblasting and sandblasting. The scope includes using high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime and contaminants from surfaces. A pressure washing company bidding large commercial work should ask the board whether the job falls in this classification.
• Painting. Exterior, interior, industrial and bridge painting, including surface preparation, caulking, drywall work and paperhanging.
• Roofing, sheet metal and siding (exam). Includes waterproofing and coating, and gutters and downspouts.
• Landscaping, grading and beautification (exam). Includes hardscaping, mowing and trimming but excludes irrigation. The board notes that landscape contractors should also contact the Bureau of Plant Industry.
• Irrigation systems (exam), listed separately.
• Limited specialty services. Work over $50,000 that no other classification defines, with no exam. Examples the board lists include chemical cleaning, construction cleaning and herbicide application.

Application steps, fees and the name rule

MSBOC's licensing guide describes a three-step process: application, testing, then board review. Items that trip up applicants:

• New applicants pay a non-refundable fee of $400 for a commercial license or $50 for a residential license. Checks and money orders are accepted, not cash.
• Each qualifying party (an owner, officer or responsible managing employee) must have a U.S. Social Security number on the form. Proof of employment such as a check stub or W-2 is required.
• Entities must be in good standing with the Secretary of State and match its records.
• Commercial applications must include a Mississippi sales tax or use tax number.
• Applicants have 180 days to complete the application before incomplete ones are destroyed.
• You must do business under the exact name on the application. The board states that using any other name is equivalent to unlicensed construction.

Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with several states that allow credit for an exam already passed, though applicants still complete the full application. The commercial building and electrical major classifications accept a trade or NASCLA accredited exam. Starting in 2026, MSBOC sends renewal notices by email only, so keep your address current.

What unlicensed work can cost

Under Miss. Code 31-3-21, it is unlawful for anyone without a certificate of responsibility to bid or contract as a contractor. Knowingly and willfully bidding without one is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Bids over $50,000 must show the certificate number on the envelope. Separately, after notice and a hearing, the board may order the work to stop and assess a civil penalty of up to 3 percent of the total contract, a reprimand, or both (FindLaw copy of 31-3-21).

Pest control and lawn spraying: the Bureau of Plant Industry

A company that solicits and performs pest or weed control for pay must hold a Company License from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and employ a licensed Operator at its principal office. As listed by BPI in October 2026:

Lawn work falls under the Horticultural pest control and Horticultural weed control categories, which cover ornamentals, shade trees and lawns. Separately, BPI certifies commercial applicators for restricted-use pesticides, with category 3 for ornamental and turf. The certification lasts 36 months and the exam costs $55 per test through the computer-based testing system. See our pest control license guide for how the steps compare nationally.

What you still need besides a license

Mississippi taxes many contracting services on gross income at 7 percent under Miss. Code 27-65-23, and the Department of Revenue's contractor guide lists work such as plumbing, heating, air conditioning, landscaping and electrical work. We did not confirm pest control from a primary source, so ask the Department of Revenue about it. You must hold a Department of Revenue permit, one for each location. Workers' compensation is required at five regularly employed workers. Our contractor insurance guide explains the coverage side. We left out home inspectors and septic installers because we could not confirm their rules from a primary source. Ask MSBOC, the Mississippi State Department of Health or the Mississippi Real Estate Commission directly. Rules change and this page is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions