C-36 compliance in Orange — CSLB data
Of the 100 C-36 contractors licensed in Orange, 63% carry workers' comp and 34% claim the no-employee exemption (CSLB, September 2026).
3 of them are suspended (2 workers' comp / 1 bond) — a suspended license cannot legally contract.
Orange County totals: 1,468 C-36 licenses; 15 suspended for workers' comp, 51 for bonds.
Experience mix: median 16.8 years licensed, 17% new (<3 yrs), 44% veterans (20+ yrs). 5 were issued in the last 12 months.
5% are LLCs, which carry extra CSLB insurance and bond rules (below).
What CSLB requires for a C-36 license
- License bond: $25,000 on file with CSLB.
- Workers' comp: required with employees; mandatory for all active licenses from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455).
- LLC licenses: $1M+ liability insurance and a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
Get a quote
Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for Orange contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.
Frequently asked questions
How many C-36 licenses in Orange are suspended?
As of September 2026, 2 for workers' comp and 1 for bond issues, out of 100 active C-36 licenses based in Orange.
How many new C-36 licenses were issued in Orange last year?
5 in the 12 months to September 2026. Each needed a $25,000 bond on file before CSLB issued the license.
Do C-36 plumbers need workers' comp?
Yes if you have employees. With no employees you can currently file an exemption; beginning January 1, 2028, CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses under SB 1455, except joint ventures.