Advice: Being my own boss, contractors license, etc.

Hey fellas,

I've used this site as a reference for years now. I've just now finally set up a username and officially joined the group. I'm hoping some of you guys can throw a little advice my way.

I've worked in the commercial side for 10 years now, designing/building and maintaining heaters/chillers that control the environment for men living inside hyperbaric diving chambers. I have worked a steady rotation offshore for a decade now. I help friends and family with their residential units when they are in need.

Recently, there has been a slow down in the diving industry and I've been picking up more and more residential work. It's been paying off handsomely and I would like to pursue more work through advertising, with hopes to transition into a full time job, as this will allow me to be home around family more.

I live around the New Orleans area and want to do this the fully legal way but our licensing laws are a little ambiguous on the states website. It sounds like I only need to hold a state contractors license if I plan to bid on jobs over $7,500. While I do plan on getting that license one day, is it absolutely necessary that I have it to begin work in my state?

Thanks in advance