Louisiana:
To do construction work in Louisiana you need to be licensed by the State Licensing Board for Contractors.
Contractors usually have to post a bond equal to 5% of the contract price for any lump sum or cost-plus contract. The minimum bond amount is $1,000.
A Residential Building Contractor's license is required for residences three stories or less in height if the cost of the project is more than $50,000.
You'll need to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State.
If you want to do plumbing, asbestos abatement, or underground tank installation, you will also need a license from other agencies. You'll find more information on these particular trades after the discussion of licensing by the State Licensing Board. To apply to the Board, contact:
State of Louisiana
State Licensing Board for Contractors
P.O. Box 14419
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4419
(225) 765-2301
(800) 256-1392
http://www.lslbc.state.la.us/
Alabama:
The state of Alabama requires any general contractor working on a commercial or industrial project costing $50,000 or more to get a license. If you're the general contractor on a residential project that costs $10,000 or more, you need a license.
Residential General Contractor's License
If you want to bid and work on residential projects, you need to be licensed by a different agency. It's called the:
Homebuilders Licensure Board
400 South Union Street, Suite 195
Montgomery, AL 36130-3605
(334) 242-2230
Fax: (334) 263-1397
http://www.hblb.state.al.us/
You can get an application package from the board for $25.
When you apply to this Board you must provide:
* a check payable to the Holloway Credit Bureau Company for a credit report ($35)
To get the residential contractor's license, you have to pass a five-hour exam given by PSI Examination Services. For information on the exam, contact:
Mississippi:
A certificate or license is required for all except the smallest construction and remodeling projects.
To get an application, contact:
Mississippi Contractor Licensing Board
215 Woodline Drive, Suite B
Jackson, MS 39208
(601) 354-6161
http://www.msboc.state.ms.us