Tennessee Tile Contractor License Requirements (2026 Guide)

Tennessee uses a dual-threshold system: no tile-specific license, but $25K state Contractor's License threshold plus $3K Home Improvement License in 9 counties (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and 5 more). Full 2026 guide to the dual-threshold framework, the 9 HI counties, BC-A/BC-B/BC-C classifications, and how TN compares to all 15 other states in the series.

By Alex — TileForeman • April 30, 2026 • licensing tennessee nashville memphis knoxville chattanooga home-improvement-license threshold contractors-license

Last updated April 2026. Verified against the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors and T.C.A. § 62-6-101.

If you're a tile installer planning to work in Tennessee, here's what makes this state different from most others in this series: Tennessee uses a dual-threshold system that varies by county. The state has no tile-specific contractor license, but it does have project-value thresholds that determine when a license is required — and those thresholds change based on which county you're working in.

For statewide work, Tennessee requires a state Contractor's License through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors when project value reaches $25,000 or more. Below that threshold, no state license is required. But in nine specific Tennessee counties — including the major metros of Davidson (Nashville), Shelby (Memphis), Knox (Knoxville), and Hamilton (Chattanooga) — a Home Improvement License is required for residential remodeling projects valued between $3,000 and $24,999.

For tile contractors, this creates a complicated map. A $15,000 bathroom retile in rural Tennessee requires no state license. The same $15,000 bathroom retile in Nashville requires a Home Improvement License. A $50,000 commercial tile job anywhere in Tennessee requires a state Contractor's License. Understanding which threshold applies to your work is essential to operating legally.

This guide covers what Tennessee tile contractors actually need to know — the dual-threshold framework, the nine Home Improvement counties, why tile isn't a named specialty trade, and how to navigate Nashville's booming construction market alongside the rest of the state. Information was verified against state statutes and Board sources as of April 2026, but always confirm current requirements directly with the Board before applying.

If you're comparing Tennessee to neighboring states in our series, see the full state-by-state tile contractor licensing guide for the pillar overview, or jump to a neighbor: North Carolina, Georgia, or Florida.

The Quick Answer

Does Tennessee require a tile contractor license? No tile-specific license, but project-value thresholds apply. Three scenarios:

  • Project under $3,000: No license required anywhere in Tennessee.
  • Project $3,000–$24,999 in nine specific counties: Home Improvement License required (Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby).
  • Project $25,000 or more anywhere in Tennessee: State Contractor's License required.

The legal basis: Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-6-101 et seq. establishes the statewide $25K Contractor's License threshold. The 2010 Home Improvement Law allows individual counties to adopt the $3K–$25K Home Improvement License requirement.

No tile-specific specialty classification exists in Tennessee. The Board recognizes specialty trade classifications for only six specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, roofing, masonry — the last only triggered at $100K). Tile installation falls under general residential remodeling.

Cost to get started:

  • Solo tile contractor working under $3K projects only: ~$700–$1,200 first year (just business + insurance)
  • Solo tile contractor in non-HI county under $25K: ~$700–$1,200 first year
  • Solo tile contractor in HI county doing $3K–$25K work: ~$1,200–$2,000 first year (HI license + bond)
  • Tile contractor needing Contractor's License for $25K+ work: ~$2,500–$5,000 first year

Time to get licensed: 4–6 weeks for Contractor's License (Board approves at scheduled meetings). 2–4 weeks for Home Improvement License.

Required exam:

  • Contractor's License: Tennessee Business and Law exam ($57) plus trade exam ($57) for some classifications
  • Home Improvement License: No exam required
  • Tile-specific work under $3K or in non-HI counties under $25K: No exam

Renewal: Contractor's License renews every 2 years. Home Improvement License renews annually.

This puts Tennessee in a unique tier — county-dependent, threshold-based regulation rather than tile-specific licensing. Similar in concept to North Carolina but with the additional county-specific Home Improvement layer.

Understanding Tennessee's Dual-Threshold System

To navigate Tennessee licensing as a tile contractor, you need to understand exactly how the dual thresholds work.

The state-level $25,000 threshold

Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-6-103 establishes the statewide threshold:

> "Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in contracting in this state shall be required to submit evidence that the person is qualified to engage in contracting and shall be licensed... A contractor's license is required for any project $25,000 and up (includes materials and labor)."

Applies to:

  • Total project cost (labor + materials combined)
  • All construction work, regardless of trade
  • Both prime contractors and subcontractors performing electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, roofing, or masonry (with masonry threshold at $100K)
  • Statewide — every Tennessee county

The county-level $3,000–$24,999 Home Improvement threshold

Tennessee's 2010 Home Improvement Law allows counties to adopt additional requirements. Nine counties have done so:

Counties requiring Home Improvement License:

  • Bradley County (Cleveland)
  • Davidson County (Nashville)
  • Hamilton County (Chattanooga)
  • Haywood County (Brownsville)
  • Knox County (Knoxville)
  • Marion County (Jasper)
  • Robertson County (Springfield)
  • Rutherford County (Murfreesboro)
  • Shelby County (Memphis)

In these counties, residential remodeling projects valued $3,000–$24,999 require a Home Improvement License.

What this means for tile contractors

The threshold framework varies based on:

  • Where you're working (HI county vs. non-HI county)
  • Project value (under $3K, $3K–$24,999, or $25K+)
  • Type of work (residential vs. commercial — HI License is residential only)

Practical examples:

Example 1: $5,000 backsplash in rural Tennessee (e.g., Lewis County)

  • Below $25K state threshold
  • Not in an HI county
  • Result: No state or county license required

Example 2: $5,000 backsplash in Nashville (Davidson County)

  • Below $25K state threshold
  • IN an HI county
  • Project value above $3K
  • Result: Home Improvement License required

Example 3: $15,000 bathroom retile in Memphis (Shelby County)

  • Below $25K state threshold
  • IN an HI county
  • Project value above $3K
  • Result: Home Improvement License required

Example 4: $30,000 master bath remodel in Nashville

  • Above $25K state threshold
  • Statewide
  • Result: Contractor's License required

Example 5: $30,000 commercial tile installation anywhere in Tennessee

  • Above $25K state threshold
  • Commercial work
  • Result: Contractor's License required (HI License doesn't apply to commercial)

How project value is calculated

The thresholds include:

  • Your labor costs
  • Material costs (whether you supply them or the homeowner does)
  • Subcontractor costs you manage
  • Sales tax
  • All work in your contract scope

The thresholds do NOT include:

  • Architectural/engineering fees paid separately
  • Permit fees paid by the homeowner
  • Materials the homeowner buys directly through other vendors

The cost-creep problem

Same as North Carolina — projects can cross thresholds mid-job. A $22,000 tile project that grows to $26,000 due to change orders suddenly requires a state Contractor's License, not just a Home Improvement License.

Practical advice:

  • For projects estimated at $20,000–$25,000 in HI counties, build in significant contingency
  • Cap quotes at $22,000 to maintain a buffer below the state threshold
  • Document scope changes carefully
  • Don't proceed past $25,000 without proper Contractor's License

Why Tile Isn't a Named Specialty Trade

Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-6-112 establishes nine major construction classifications. Specialty trades that require their own contractor license at the $25K threshold include:

  • Electrical (CE or E)
  • Mechanical/HVAC (MC or CMC)
  • Plumbing
  • Roofing
  • Masonry (LMC) — but only at $100K threshold
  • Environmental specialties (asbestos, lead paint, etc.)

Tile installation is NOT on this list. Tennessee treats tile as general remodeling work that:

  • Falls under the standard $25K state threshold
  • Falls under the $3K HI License threshold in HI counties
  • Doesn't require a specialty trade license
  • Doesn't have a specialty trade exam

This contrasts with Western states (California's C-54, Arizona's R-48/C-48, Utah's S293, Nevada's C-20) and Southern states like South Carolina that have tile-specific specialty classifications.

What this means in practice

For tile work, you don't need a "tile contractor license" because none exists. You need:

  • Nothing for projects under $3K
  • HI License for $3K–$25K residential work in 9 specific counties
  • Contractor's License (residential or building classification) for $25K+ work statewide

A Contractor's License with the BC-A (residential and commercial) or BC-B (residential limited) classification covers tile work as part of its general scope.

What Tennessee Actually Requires for Tile Work Under $25K

For tile contractors operating below the state threshold, here's what you actually need.

Business Registration with Tennessee Secretary of State

Register your business through the Tennessee Secretary of State's Business Services Division.

Options:

  • Sole Proprietorship: Cheapest, no Secretary of State filing for legal name. Trade Name registration if using DBA: $20.
  • LLC: $300 filing fee, $300 annual report. Most common choice but expensive.
  • Corporation: $100 filing fee, $20 annual report.
  • Partnership: Various fees.

File at: sos.tn.gov

Tennessee LLC quirk: $300 LLC formation fee and $300 annual report make Tennessee one of the more expensive states for LLC formation. Texas, Wyoming, and most other states are cheaper. Factor these recurring fees into ongoing costs.

Practical recommendation: Form an LLC despite the higher cost. The liability protection is worth it. Or consider a corporation if cost is a concern (lower fees but more administrative complexity).

Sales Tax Registration

Tile work in Tennessee involves sales tax considerations. You need to register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Tennessee Department of Revenue:

General Liability Insurance

Not legally required at the state level for tile contractors operating under $25K threshold. However, general liability insurance is practically essential:

  • Most homeowners require it before hiring you
  • All commercial GCs require it from subcontractors
  • Building permits often require it for permit pulling
  • Insurance against your own liability is just smart business

Standard coverage for Tennessee tile contractors:

  • $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence minimum
  • $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 aggregate

Cost: $700–$1,200/year for solo tile contractor

Workers' Compensation

Tennessee requires workers' compensation in the construction industry for businesses with 5 or more employees. This is a higher threshold than most states (Georgia and North Carolina use 3+; many Western states use 1+).

Effective March 1, 2011: Owners, officers of corporations, partners, or members of LLCs may register with the Tennessee Secretary of State's office to obtain an exemption from covering themselves under workers' compensation. This is the Construction Services Provider registration.

For solo tile contractors: No workers' comp required. Optional Construction Services Provider registration available.

For tile contractors with 1–4 employees: Workers' comp NOT required by Tennessee construction industry rule (5+ threshold). Many contractors voluntarily carry coverage.

For tile contractors with 5+ employees: Workers' comp insurance required. Through Tennessee-authorized providers.

City/County Business Licenses

Most Tennessee cities and counties require local business tax registration. Specific cities are covered below.

Home Improvement License (For $3K–$25K Residential Work in 9 Counties)

If you do residential remodeling work valued $3,000–$24,999 in any of the nine HI counties, you need a Home Improvement License.

Home Improvement License requirements

Eligibility:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have $10,000 financial responsibility (surety bond, cash bond, or Irrevocable Letter of Credit)
  • Must register business name with Tennessee Secretary of State

Application requirements:

  • Completed application
  • $250 application fee
  • $10,000 surety bond (typical cost: $100/year)
  • General liability insurance proof
  • Must be approved by the Board at scheduled meetings (January, March, May, July, September, November)

Coverage: The HI License covers residential remodeling, repair, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, and additions. Includes tile work as part of remodeling.

Doesn't cover:

  • HVAC, electrical, plumbing (require separate trade licenses regardless)
  • New residential construction
  • Commercial work
  • Projects $25,000 or more

Renewal

HI License renews annually:

  • Annual renewal fee
  • Active surety bond required throughout
  • General liability insurance must remain active

Why this matters for tile contractors

If you work in:

  • Nashville (Davidson)
  • Memphis (Shelby)
  • Knoxville (Knox)
  • Chattanooga (Hamilton)
  • Murfreesboro (Rutherford)
  • Cleveland (Bradley)
  • Springfield (Robertson)
  • Jasper (Marion)
  • Brownsville (Haywood)

…and you do residential tile work valued $3,000–$24,999, you need an HI License.

For tile contractors based in these counties, the HI License is essentially mandatory because most residential tile jobs exceed $3,000 (a basic backsplash often crosses $3K with materials).

Tennessee Contractor's License (For $25K+ Projects Statewide)

If your tile work regularly exceeds $25,000 per project, you need a state Contractor's License.

License classifications relevant to tile work

BC-A: Residential and Commercial Contractor

  • Covers all residential and commercial work
  • Most flexibility
  • Highest financial requirements
  • Most appropriate if you do both residential and commercial tile work

BC-B: Limited Residential and Limited Commercial

  • Residential up to certain limits
  • Commercial up to $1,500,000
  • Slightly lower requirements

BC-C: Small Projects

  • Up to $500,000 per project
  • Most accessible
  • Sufficient for most working tile contractors

Limited Residential (BC-A LR):

  • Up to $125,000 per residential project
  • Single-family homes only
  • Trade exam can be replaced with approved seminar
  • Lowest requirements

For most tile contractors crossing the $25K threshold on residential work, BC-C or Limited Residential is the appropriate choice.

Application requirements

To get a Tennessee Contractor's License:

1. Pass Tennessee Business and Law exam: $57, administered by PSI Services 2. Pass trade exam (if applicable): $57 — required for most classifications 3. Submit financial statements: Reviewed or audited statement prepared by a CPA or LPA (depending on monetary limit) 4. Reference letter: From past client, employer, or code official 5. Submit application: $250 fee, through CORE online portal at tn.gov/commerce/regboards.html 6. Wait for Board approval: Board meets bi-monthly; license issuance takes 4–6 weeks

Monetary limit calculation

Tennessee uses a 10× multiplier rule for license monetary limits:

  • Your license monetary limit = 10 × the lesser of (working capital OR net worth)
  • Example: If your net worth is $10,000, your license limit is $100,000
  • You cannot bid on projects above your monetary limit

This system means tile contractors with limited financial resources start with lower license limits and can grow them over time as their financial responsibility improves.

Insurance requirements

Tennessee Contractor's License requires:

  • Active general liability insurance (proof required at application and renewal)
  • Workers' compensation if 5+ employees (or Construction Services Provider exemption)
  • Commercial auto insurance for business vehicles

Renewal and continuing education

  • License renews every 2 years
  • 8 hours of continuing education required during the 2-year cycle for most residential classifications
  • Active membership in approved trade association = 4 hours CE annually
  • Renewal notice mailed 90 days before expiration

What It Costs in Tennessee

Costs vary dramatically based on your work scope.

Scenario 1: Solo tile contractor, projects under $3K

This contractor only does small backsplashes and tile repairs.

  • TN LLC formation: $300
  • TN LLC annual report (year 1): $300
  • General liability insurance: $700/year
  • DBA filing (if using business name): $20
  • Sales tax registration: Free
  • City/county business license: $100–$300
  • Total first-year cost: approximately $1,500

Most working tile contractors won't fit this scenario — bathroom retiles and kitchen tile work usually exceed $3K.

Scenario 2: Solo tile contractor in non-HI county, projects under $25K

This contractor works in rural counties and small towns outside the nine HI counties, taking residential tile jobs under $25K.

  • TN LLC formation: $300
  • TN LLC annual report: $300
  • General liability insurance: $900/year
  • DBA filing: $20
  • Sales tax registration: Free
  • City/county business license: $100–$300
  • Total first-year cost: approximately $1,700

Scenario 3: Solo tile contractor in HI county, $3K–$25K residential

This contractor works in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga taking typical residential tile jobs ($3K–$25K).

  • TN LLC formation: $300
  • TN LLC annual report: $300
  • HI License application fee: $250
  • $10,000 surety bond: $100/year
  • General liability insurance: $1,000/year
  • DBA filing: $20
  • Sales tax registration: Free
  • City/county business license: $200
  • Total first-year cost: approximately $2,170

Scenario 4: Tile contractor going for BC-C or Limited Residential Contractor's License

This contractor wants to take projects $25K and up.

  • TN LLC formation: $300
  • TN LLC annual report: $300
  • Contractor's License application: $250
  • TN Business and Law exam: $57
  • Trade exam (if required): $57
  • Financial statement (CPA review): $500–$1,500
  • Reference letter: Free
  • General liability insurance: $1,200/year
  • City/county business license: $200
  • Total first-year cost: $2,800–$3,900

Scenario 5: Tile contractor with 5+ employees doing $25K+ projects

Same as Scenario 4 plus:

  • Workers' compensation: $3,000–$8,000/year
  • Higher liability coverage: $1,500–$2,000/year
  • Commercial auto: $1,500–$3,000/year
  • Total first-year cost: $8,000–$15,000+

State-Licensed Trades You Can't Self-Perform

Even though tile work doesn't require state licensing under $25K, several adjacent trades are state-licensed regardless of project value or county.

Plumbing

Through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors:

  • Licensed Plumbing Contractor required for any plumbing work over $25K
  • Local plumbing licenses often required regardless of value (especially in HI counties)

Electrical

Through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors:

  • Licensed Electrical Contractor required for electrical work over $25K
  • Many cities and counties require local electrical licenses regardless of project value

HVAC and Mechanical

Same Board — Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors:

  • Licensed HVAC/Mechanical Contractor required for HVAC work over $25K
  • Local licensing often applies regardless

Why this matters for tile contractors

For heated floor electrical, drain modifications, or HVAC scope changes, you must subcontract to appropriately licensed Tennessee contractors. Self-performing these trades without licensing is a Class A misdemeanor under Tennessee law, with potential fines and Board enforcement actions.

Permits: When Tile Work Requires Them in Tennessee

Most Tennessee jurisdictions follow standard permitting logic for tile work.

Permits typically required:

  • Tile work as part of larger remodel with structural changes
  • Plumbing modifications (drain relocation) — but plumber pulls these
  • Electrical work for heated floor systems — but electrician pulls these
  • Tile work on commercial properties (almost always permitted)
  • Tile work in historic districts (especially Nashville's Germantown, Memphis's Cooper-Young, Knoxville's Old North)

Permits typically NOT required:

  • Standalone tile floor installation in existing residential
  • Backsplash installation
  • Standalone shower retiling without plumbing changes
  • Tile repair work

Tennessee-specific considerations:

  • Nashville's Metro Codes Department actively enforces both HI License and permit requirements
  • Memphis Code Enforcement requires HI License documentation for permits in many remodel categories
  • Historic district approvals required in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville historic neighborhoods
  • HOA approvals common in Williamson County and Brentwood/Franklin master-planned communities

Always check with the local building department before starting work.

Tennessee Reciprocity for Contractor's License

Tennessee accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for many Contractor's License classifications. NASCLA reciprocity is recognized in:

Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia.

Tennessee also has direct reciprocity with select neighboring states for trade exams (not Business and Law):

For tile contractors planning to work in multiple Southeastern states, NASCLA is the better choice than the Tennessee-specific trade exam.

Industry Certifications (Especially Valuable in TN)

With limited state licensing for tile, voluntary certifications carry more weight than in heavily-regulated states.

Certified Tile Installer (CTI) — CTEF

  • Most recognized voluntary credential nationally
  • Especially valuable in Tennessee where there's no tile-specific state license
  • Requires 2+ years of experience as lead installer
  • Multiple-choice exam plus hands-on practical test
  • Cost: $400–$600

In Tennessee's premium markets (Nashville's Belle Meade, Brentwood, Franklin; Memphis's East Memphis and Germantown; Knoxville's Sequoyah Hills), CTI certification distinguishes you from contractors who don't have any verifiable credentials.

NTCA Five Star Contractor

National Tile Contractors Association tier program. Useful for high-end residential and commercial work in Nashville's booming luxury market.

Manufacturer certifications

Critical in Tennessee's varied climate (East TN mountain freeze-thaw, Middle TN humidity, West TN Mississippi River moisture):

  • Schluter Systems: Especially valuable for waterproofing
  • Laticrete: Wide product range
  • Mapei: Comprehensive tile systems
  • Ardex: Substrate prep specialist

Historic district expertise

For Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga historic neighborhoods:

  • Period-appropriate installation methods
  • Restoration tile work
  • Historic Zoning Commission approval familiarity

What Happens If You Operate Above Threshold Without a License

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors takes unlicensed contracting seriously.

Legal consequences:

  • Class A misdemeanor for unlicensed contracting over $25K
  • Civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation
  • Cease and desist orders
  • Inability to enforce contracts or collect through courts

Civil consequences:

  • Cannot file mechanic's liens
  • Cannot sue to collect payment for work performed
  • Customers can sue YOU for full reimbursement
  • Insurance claims may be denied

Reputation consequences:

  • Tennessee Board maintains public lookup of unlicensed contractors and disciplinary actions
  • Public records of violations
  • Future licensing harder to obtain

Home Improvement License violations in the nine HI counties carry similar civil penalty exposure plus county-level enforcement.

The bottom line: Stay strictly under thresholds OR get properly licensed. The middle ground (taking a $30K job without a Contractor's License hoping nobody notices) is a serious legal risk.

Common Questions About Tennessee Tile Contractor Licensing

Do I need an HI License if I only do small repairs?

If projects are under $3,000, no — even in the nine HI counties. The HI License threshold is $3,000–$24,999 for residential remodeling.

What if I work in multiple counties — some HI, some not?

You only need an HI License for work performed in HI counties between $3K–$25K. A tile contractor doing $10K bathroom jobs in Davidson County (Nashville) needs an HI License for that work, but the same contractor doing $10K jobs in Williamson County (Franklin) does not — Williamson is not on the HI list.

Why does Tennessee have such a complicated system?

The 2010 Home Improvement Law was a compromise: instead of imposing a statewide low-threshold license, Tennessee gave counties the option. Nine adopted it; the rest didn't. The result is a patchwork that mirrors local political preferences about contractor regulation.

Is Williamson County (Franklin/Brentwood) on the HI list?

No. Williamson County — one of the wealthiest counties in Tennessee with major Nashville-suburb construction activity — has not adopted the Home Improvement License requirement. Tile contractors working in Franklin, Brentwood, or Spring Hill don't need an HI License regardless of project size (under $25K).

What about Sevier County (Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg)?

Sevier County has not adopted the HI License requirement. Tile contractors working the cabin/short-term-rental remodel market in the Smokies don't need an HI License for residential work under $25K.

How does Tennessee compare to neighboring states?

| State | Tile-Specific License | State Threshold | Trade Exam | |---|---|---|---| | Tennessee | None | $25,000 (+ $3K HI in 9 counties) | None for tile under $25K | | North Carolina | None | $40,000 | None for tile under threshold | | Georgia | Exempt (Specialty) | None for tile | None | | Florida | Exempt (deregulated 2025) | None | None | | Kentucky | None at state | None at state | Sometimes (cities) | | Virginia | Yes (Class A/B/C) | $1,000–$120,000 | Yes | | Alabama | Yes (Specialty) | $50,000 | Yes | | Mississippi | None at state | $50,000 | Yes |

Tennessee clusters with North Carolina and Kentucky as light-regulation Southeastern states.

Can I use my California or Arizona tile license in TN?

There's no Tennessee tile license to "use." Your state-level credentials don't transfer because Tennessee doesn't license tile contractors specifically.

For tile work under $25K outside HI counties, you don't need any state license. For projects over $25K, you'd need to get a Tennessee Contractor's License through the standard process — your out-of-state experience can support your work history documentation. (See our California and Arizona guides for what those credentials look like.)

Can I call myself a "Licensed Tile Contractor" in TN?

Only if you have an actual Contractor's License from the Tennessee Board. Since there's no TN tile-specific license, this terminology can be misleading.

Better marketing language:

  • "Tennessee Tile Contractor" (factually accurate)
  • "Insured Tennessee Tile Contractor"
  • "Certified Tile Installer" (if you hold CTI certification)
  • "Nashville Tile Installation Specialist"
  • "Licensed Home Improvement Contractor" (only if you actually hold a Davidson/Shelby/Knox/etc. HI License)

What if I want to do whole bathroom remodels with multiple trades?

If the total project exceeds $25,000, you need either:

  • Option 1: Get a Contractor's License (BC-C or Limited Residential is usually sufficient)
  • Option 2: Subcontract under a licensed GC
  • Option 3: Stay under $25K (often impractical for whole bathroom remodels)

Most working tile contractors who regularly do whole-bathroom remodels in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga eventually pursue Option 1 or operate as subs under Option 2.

Is the NASCLA exam worth taking instead of the TN exam?

For BC-A or BC-B classification, yes. NASCLA reciprocity provides:

  • Recognition in 16+ states
  • More portable credential
  • Single exam vs. potentially multiple state exams

For purely TN-focused tile contractors, the Tennessee exam is sufficient. For tile contractors who may work in TN, NC, GA, FL, AL, or other Southeastern states, NASCLA is the better choice.

What happens if a customer hires me for $10K and I don't have an HI License in Nashville?

You're operating without a required Davidson County Home Improvement License. Risks include:

  • Davidson County code enforcement action
  • Tennessee Board civil penalties
  • Customer can refuse payment
  • Customer can sue for refund of money paid
  • Mechanic's lien rights void

Get the HI License if you do any meaningful residential work in Davidson, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton, Rutherford, Bradley, Robertson, Marion, or Haywood counties.

Does my Contractor's License transfer if I sell my business?

The license is tied to the qualifying party (typically the owner who passed exams). New owners need their own qualifier and a new application. Plan succession carefully if your business has a Contractor's License.

What about working in unincorporated Tennessee counties not on the HI list?

For unincorporated areas of non-HI counties, only the state $25K threshold applies. Tile contractors working purely rural may have minimal compliance requirements beyond business registration and insurance — provided projects stay under $25K.

Tracking Your Compliance: Why It Matters

Tennessee tile contractors have these compliance dates:

  • TN Secretary of State annual report ($300 LLC, $20 corporation)
  • General liability insurance renewal (annually)
  • Workers' compensation renewal (annually if 5+ employees) or Construction Services Provider exemption renewal
  • Sales tax filings (monthly, quarterly, or annually based on volume)
  • City/county business tax licenses (annually)
  • Home Improvement License renewal (annually, if applicable)
  • Surety bond renewal (annually, if HI License holder)
  • Contractor's License renewal (every 2 years, if applicable)
  • Continuing education (8 hours per 2-year cycle, if Contractor's License holder)

Tennessee tile contractors with both an HI License and a Contractor's License have a particularly busy compliance calendar.

Practical advice: Set calendar reminders 90, 60, and 30 days before each expiration date. Use whatever system works — calendar app, spreadsheet, contractor management software.

This is one of the things TileForeman handles automatically for tile contractors who use it. Compliance tracking with built-in reminders works for any combination of state filings, insurance, bonds, and certifications. Whether you use TileForeman or another tracking method, just don't let these dates surprise you.

Resources for Tennessee Tile Contractors

State resources:

  • Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: tn.gov/commerce/regboards.html
  • Board phone: (615) 741-8307
  • Board address: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
  • CORE online portal: Tennessee regulatory boards
  • T.C.A. § 62-6-101 et seq. (Contractor's License law)
  • T.C.A. § 62-37-101 et seq. (Home Improvement License law)

Other state agencies for adjacent trades:

  • Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC sub-classifications)
  • Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development: tn.gov/workforce.html

Business and tax registration:

Industry organizations:

Workers' compensation:

Exam testing:

City/county business tax:

  • Metro Nashville: nashville.gov
  • City of Memphis / Shelby County: memphistn.gov
  • City of Knoxville / Knox County: knoxvilletn.gov
  • City of Chattanooga / Hamilton County: chattanooga.gov
  • City of Murfreesboro: murfreesborotn.gov
  • City of Franklin / Williamson County: franklintn.gov

Tracking License Compliance with TileForeman

If you're a Tennessee tile contractor, you face one of the more complex compliance calendars in the Southeast: Secretary of State annual report, insurance renewals, sales tax filings, city/county business tax, plus potentially HI License renewal with bond, plus potentially Contractor's License renewal with continuing education. The patchwork of state, county, and local requirements creates real tracking complexity.

TileForeman automatically tracks all license, insurance, bond, and compliance expirations for tile contractors, with reminders sent 90, 60, and 30 days before each expiration. It's part of the broader business management software built specifically for tile installers.

Try it free at tileforeman.com.

Keep This Information Current

Tennessee's contractor licensing rules occasionally change. The Home Improvement Law has been on the books since 2010, but additional counties could opt in. The state $25K threshold has been stable for years but is not guaranteed forever. The CORE online portal continues to evolve.

This guide was last verified in April 2026 against state statutes and Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors sources. Before taking any action based on this information:

  • Verify current state requirements at tn.gov/commerce/regboards.html
  • Confirm the current statewide threshold under T.C.A. § 62-6-103
  • Confirm current HI county list (currently 9; can change)
  • Check city/county-specific requirements with the local jurisdiction
  • Consult a Tennessee construction attorney for complex situations
  • Talk to a Tennessee tax professional about sales tax and franchise/excise tax obligations

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

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This guide is part of TileForeman's state-by-state tile contractor licensing series. Other states already covered:

Western US

South & Southeast

How Tennessee Stacks Up Against Every State We've Covered

Here's the complete 16-state comparison for tile contractors planning multi-state work or relocation:

| State | License Required | Type | Bond | Insurance Min | Exam | First-Year Cost | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Washington | Yes (registration) | Specialty Contractor | $15,000 | $250K CSL | No | ~$1,150 | | Oregon | Yes (license) | Residential Specialty (RSC) | $20,000 | $300K | Yes | ~$2,100 | | Idaho | Yes (registration) | Contractor Registration | None | $300K | No | ~$950 | | Montana | No (registration only) | ICEC or CR | None | None required | No | ~$200–$1,000 solo | | Utah | Yes (license) | S293 Marble, Tile and Ceramic | None typically | $300K aggregate | Yes | ~$1,500 | | California | Yes (license) | C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile | $25,000 | None state-required | Yes | ~$3,000–$5,500 | | Nevada | Yes (license) | C-20 Tiling | Variable ($1K–$500K) | None state-required | Yes | ~$2,500–$4,500 | | Arizona | Yes (license) | R-48/C-48/CR-48 | Volume-based ($1K–$100K) | None state-required | Yes | ~$2,900–$4,500 | | Colorado | No state license | City-by-city only | None state-required | None state-required | Sometimes | ~$830–$2,500 | | Wyoming | No state license | City-by-city only | None state-required | None state-required | Sometimes | ~$870–$2,100 | | Texas | No state license | City-by-city only | None state-required | None state-required | None at state | ~$1,000–$2,500 | | Florida | No state license (DEREGULATED 2025) | None — fully deregulated | None | None | None | ~$1,365 | | New Mexico | Yes (license) | GS-29 Miscellaneous Specialty | $10,000 | None state-required | Yes | ~$1,666 | | Georgia | No state license (specialty exemption) | Traditional Specialty Contractor | None | None | None at state | ~$1,050–$1,375 | | North Carolina | Threshold-based ($40K) | None for tile (no specialty class) | $175K–$1M (if licensed GC) | None state-required for tile | None for tile under $40K | ~$1,450 under threshold; $2,500–$4,000 for GC license | | Tennessee | Dual threshold ($25K state + $3K in 9 counties) | None for tile (no specialty class) | $10K (HI License) or none | None state-required for tile | None for tile under $25K | ~$1,500–$2,200 under threshold; $2,800–$3,900 for Contractor's License |

Regulatory tier groupings:

That's 16 states deep — covering the entire Western US plus the five largest Southeast markets (Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and now Tennessee). For the full series and pillar overview, see the tile contractor license guide.