Frequently asked questions
Real questions homeowners ask about handyman work, permits, and Florida's licensing rules — answered plainly, with sources. A few are our own plain-language framing of a licensing boundary rather than a captured search question; each is noted where that applies in our research file.
Do you need a permit to build a deck in Florida?
Often yes, though the exact threshold depends on the city. In Mount Dora specifically, the Building Division should be the first call before any deck work beyond simple board or rail repair — this project found a general summary suggesting small at-grade decks under roughly 120 sq ft might need only a zoning review, but could not confirm that exact figure against a primary Mount Dora document, so treat it as [NEED: verify with the Building Division] rather than settled fact.
Do I need a permit to replace my fence with the same style?
The City of Mount Dora's own Fence Permit Application Checklist (BFP-062) covers new and replacement fence permits with published height and material rules, but does not explicitly address whether a repair-only job (same posts, no new footprint) needs its own permit application. Confirm with the Building Division at (352) 735-7115 before assuming either way.
Can a handyman do electrical work in Florida?
No, not beyond the most trivial tasks. Electrical work always requires a licensed electrical contractor, regardless of job size. We do not perform electrical work of any kind; that always needs its own licensed tradesperson.
How much does drywall repair cost?
Nationally, drywall repair runs about $150–$2,000 per job (average around $612), with small patches running the highest per-square-foot rate ($75–$100/sq ft under 10 sq ft) and larger repairs settling to $50–$75/sq ft. See our full drywall repair cost page for a Mount Dora-specific breakdown by job type — these are researched third-party ranges, not our quote for your job.
How much does it cost to mount a TV on the wall?
Professional TV mounting typically runs $150–$400 for labor alone, or $165–$900 including the mount itself, depending on TV size, mount type, and whether the wall is drywall or masonry. See our TV mounting cost page for the full breakdown.
How often should you clean your gutters in Florida?
At least twice a year — late spring before the June–October wet season, and late fall after hurricane season — but homes under heavy oak, pine, or palm canopy (common in Mount Dora, especially near the historic district) often need three to four cleanings a year because Florida trees shed debris nearly year-round, not just in one season.
How much does a handyman cost in Florida?
Florida handyman rates generally run $50–$120 an hour in 2026, with unlicensed general handymen trending toward the lower end ($50–$75/hour) and more established, insured operators toward $75–$120/hour. Many jobs are quoted flat-rate per project rather than hourly. These are researched market ranges, not our specific rate card.
Is a running toilet a plumbing job, or can a handyman fix it?
This depends on exactly what's being done. Anything that involves connecting to or altering a potable water line is licensed plumbing work under Florida's rules, full stop — regardless of job size. We do not perform plumbing work and will tell you plainly when a “simple” fix has actually crossed into licensed-trade territory.
How do I know if my deck board is rotting, or just needs cleaning?
Press a flathead screwdriver into the board on a dry day (not right after rain). Sound wood resists; rotted wood gives way easily or the screwdriver sinks in. See our deck board problem page for the full diagnostic walk-through.
Why won't my door latch anymore?
Almost always a hardware alignment issue — a shifted strike plate, sagging hinges, or a door slightly swollen from humidity — not a sign the door needs replacing. See our door-won't-latch problem page for how to tell which one it is.
Problem pages
Diagnose a specific symptom before you call anyone.
Drywall Crack: Cosmetic or a Sign of Settling?
Most drywall cracks in Mount Dora are cosmetic — hairline cracks at seams or corners from normal seasonal humidity movement, not structural settling. The signs that separate the two are size, shape and location, not just the fact that a crack exists.
Door Won't Latch Anymore — What's Wrong?
A door that won't latch is almost always a hardware alignment problem — hinges sagging, the strike plate shifted, or the door itself swollen with humidity — not a sign the door needs replacing.
Deck Board Soft or Spongy — Rot or Just Wet?
A deck board that stays soft or spongy after several dry days — not just after rain — has wood rot, not just surface moisture. The screwdriver test settles it in under a minute.
Fence Post Leaning — Repair or Replace?
A single leaning post is usually repairable by resetting it in fresh concrete; a post that's rotted at the base, snapped, or one of several leaning in the same direction usually needs replacing.
Gutters Overflowing — Clog or Slope Problem?
Overflowing gutters that were recently cleaned usually point to a downspout clog, an interior blockage further down the run, or an actual slope/pitch problem — not a sign the gutters need full replacement.