Licensing for Commercial General Contractor and Subcontractors

Alabama Code section 34-8-1 et seq. requires that a contractor engaged in construction involving non-residential work amounting to more than $100,000 (recently changed from $50,000) obtain a license. Ala. Code § 34-8-1. This provision applies, with certain exceptions, to subcontractors as well. Ala. Code § 34-8-7. “A contract by an unlicensed ‘general contractor,’ as defined in § 34-8-1, is null and void as a violation of … public policy. Such contracts are illegal and unenforceable by the unlicensed general contractor. Thomas Learning Center, Inc. v. McGuirk, 766 So. 2d 161, 167 n.3 (Ala. Civ. App. 1998). Additionally, a proper license is required for a contractor seeking to enforce a construction lien. See J & M Industries, Inc. v. Huguley Oil Co., Inc., 546 So.2d 367 (Ala. 1989).