How to Get Your
Florida Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Florida. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career in the Sunshine State.
Florida Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years
Experience Required
4-5 years apprenticeship
Initial License Fee
$149 - $249
Licensing Authority
Florida CILB
Renewal Period
Biennial
Education Required
High school diploma
Starting a plumbing business or doing a job in the plumbing industry is pretty lucrative. Plumbing work is immune to a recession, stays in demand throughout the year, and offers various job opportunities. Since the revenue of the Florida plumbing industry is expected to increase in the upcoming years, becoming a licensed plumber in Florida can be a good source of income. However, working in the plumbing arena in Florida requires you to fulfill certain terms and conditions, including qualifying for the Florida State Construction exam, getting accreditations, and other various plumbing licenses.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Florida?
Florida Licensing Authority
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
CILBIssues state-level plumbing contractor licenses (certified and registered) throughout Florida
Important Note
While the state licenses the certified plumbing contractor in Florida, the city or county licenses the individual registered plumbing contractor. Before submitting an offer for any project in Florida, a contractor's license is necessary.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Florida
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level position to learn the trade under supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work under licensed master plumber
Journeyman Plumber
Licensed to work independently without supervision after completing apprenticeship.
Key Requirements
- 4 years of apprentice experience
- Pass journeyman plumber examination
- Clean criminal history
Master Plumber
Advanced license requiring additional experience and examination.
Key Requirements
- 1-5 years journeyman experience
- Pass master plumber examination
- Pass business and finance exam
Certified Plumbing Contractor
State-level license valid throughout Florida to operate a plumbing business.
Key Requirements
- 1+ year accredited college courses
- Pass Florida State Construction exam
- Liability and property damage insurance
Requirements for Getting a Plumbing License in Florida
The requirements for getting a plumbing license vary from one state to the other. Therefore, acquainting yourself with the parameters of the state you want to work for is an absolute must. To legally work as a plumber in Florida, you must possess a license. Without a plumbing license, potential employers won't even consider hiring you.
State Requirements
Florida Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Find a licensed master plumber to work under
- Complete 4-5 years of on-the-job training
2Journeyman Plumber
Independent plumber license
Journeyman Plumber
Independent plumber license
- Complete 4 years minimum of on-the-job training as apprentice
- Work under strict supervision of certified master plumber
- Pass the journeyman plumber examination
- Obtain clean criminal history (fingerprint verification required)
- Demonstrate financial stability (tax returns, bank statements, or credit reports)
3Master Plumber
Advanced plumber license
Master Plumber
Advanced plumber license
- 1 to 5 years of proven experience as journeyman plumber
- Pass the master plumber examination
- Pass additional business and legal exams
- Meet all state-specific requirements
4Certified Plumbing Contractor
State-level contractor license
Certified Plumbing Contractor
State-level contractor license
- Complete at least 1 year of accredited college-level courses
- 4-5 years of apprenticeship program experience
- Pass Florida State Construction examination
- Pass Business and Finance examination
- Acquire liability and property damage insurance ($25,000 maximum coverage)
- Demonstrate financial stability
- Obtain clean criminal history
5Registered Plumbing Contractor
City/county-level contractor license
Registered Plumbing Contractor
City/county-level contractor license
- Meet local city or county requirements
- Pass required examinations
- Obtain necessary insurance and bonding
- Apply through local jurisdiction
College-Level Courses
Florida plumbers must have completed at least a year of accredited college-level courses to apply for the Florida plumbing contractor's license. Some of the best plumbing schools in Florida include:
- Hillsborough Community College
- Miami Dade College
- Florida State College
- Indian River State College
- Pensacola State College
Topics typically include local plumbing measures, soldering and cutting pipes, draining, venting, and water heating frameworks.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing License?
Examination and Certification Costs
Florida Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Knowledge Exam Paid to Professional Testing Inc. (PTI) | $135 | ||
| Business & Finance Exam Paid to Professional Testing Inc. (PTI) | $135 | ||
| Exam Administration Fee Paid to Florida DBPR | $80 | ||
| Pearson VUE CBT Fee Computer-based testing fee | $80 | ||
| Initial Certification (May 1 - Aug 31) Even year to odd year | — | $249 | |
| Initial Certification (Sept 1 - Apr 30) Odd year to even year | — | $149 | |
| Exam Retake Fee 21-day waiting period between attempts | $135 + $80 |
Source: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Total Costs
Total cost to become certified:
- Even years: Approximately $540.00
- Odd years: Approximately $444.00
This includes examination fees ($135 registration + $80 administration + $80 CBT) plus initial certification fee ($249 or $149 depending on application timing).
Florida Plumbing Exam Details
To become general licensed contractors, candidates must pass both the Florida plumbing exam and the business and finance exam.
Required Exams for Licensure
Florida Plumbing Examinations
Plumbing theory, systems, and technical knowledge
Business law, financial management, and building codes
Exam Retake Policy
If you don't pass the test, you must submit a retake application with PTI, pay the $135 exam price, and pay the $80.00 rescheduling administration charge to Pearson VUE. There is a 21-day waiting period between each subsequent attempt.
Steps to Get Your Florida Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Complete Your Education
Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. You need basic knowledge of algebra, thermodynamics, biology, geometry, and measurement units.
Enroll in Accredited College-Level Courses
Complete at least 1 year of accredited college-level courses. Florida requires classroom training covering local plumbing measures, soldering and cutting pipes, draining, venting, and water heating frameworks.
Apply for a Plumbing Apprenticeship Program
Find a licensed master plumber to sponsor you or join an apprenticeship program through local plumbing contractors, businesses, or trade unions. This is a paid position lasting 4-5 years.
Learn More About ApprenticeshipsComplete Required Apprenticeship Experience
Gain 4-5 years of on-the-job training under the strict supervision of a certified master plumber. Learn blueprint reading, safety procedures, and drafting skills.
Check Reciprocity Agreements
If you hold a plumbing license from another state, check if Florida has a reciprocity agreement that allows you to obtain a license without taking the state's trade exam.
Qualify for the Journeyman Plumber Examination
After completing 4-5 years of on-the-job training, you can qualify for the journeyman plumber examination offered by the state.
Exam ApplicationPass the Journeyman Examination
Take and pass the journeyman plumber examination. You'll need to pay examination fees ($135 registration + $80 administration).
Obtain Clean Criminal History
Complete fingerprint verification to demonstrate a clean criminal history as required by the Florida licensing board.
Criminal History FAQDemonstrate Financial Stability
Provide proof of financial stability through tax returns, bank statements, or credit reports.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman Plumber!
You can now work independently without supervision as a licensed journeyman plumber in Florida.
Gain Master Plumber Experience (Optional)
Work 1-5 years as a journeyman plumber to qualify for the master plumber examination.
Pass Additional Business and Legal Exams
Take and pass the master plumber exam, Business and Finance exam, and any additional required examinations.
Master License ApplicationObtain Required Insurance
Acquire liability and property damage insurance with maximum coverage of $25,000 as required for contractor licensing.
Apply for Certified Plumbing Contractor License
Submit your application for certified plumbing contractor license along with the required fees ($149-$249 depending on timing).
Contractor ApplicationCongratulations! You're a Certified Plumbing Contractor!
You can now legally operate a plumbing business and take contracts from clients throughout Florida.
License Renewal
A plumbing contractor's license must be renewed biennially (every two years). For the renewal, you need to pay a renewal fee. You should complete continuing education courses as required by the state.
Brand Your Plumbing Business as a Professional
Once you successfully acquire your plumbing contractor license, managing your accounting doesn't have to be hassling. InvoiceOwl helps you generate accurate estimates, create professional invoices, and simplify your workflow.
Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
How can I become a plumber in Florida?
You can become a plumber in Florida by getting either of the two licenses:
- Certified plumbing contractor license (state-level, valid throughout Florida)
- Registered plumbing contractor license (city/county-level)
You'll need to complete an apprenticeship, pass required examinations, and meet all state requirements including education, experience, and insurance.
What credentials do I need to become a plumber?
To become a plumber in Florida, you need:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent degree
- 4-5 years of apprenticeship experience
- 1 year of accredited college-level courses (for contractor license)
- Pass required plumbing examinations
- Clean criminal history
- Proof of financial stability
- Liability and property damage insurance ($25,000 maximum coverage)
Does my Florida plumber license work in any other state?
Unfortunately, no. Your Florida plumbing license will not work in other states. However, some states may have reciprocity agreements with Florida that allow you to obtain a license more easily. Check with the licensing board in the state where you want to work.
Who issues plumbing licenses in Florida?
The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues state-level plumbing licenses in Florida. For registered plumbing contractor licenses, the individual city or county issues the license for work within their jurisdiction.
What is the mean wage for a certified plumber in Florida?
The average salary for a Plumber is $27.47 per hour in Florida. However, wages can vary based on experience, location, and whether you own your own plumbing business.
What are the different types of plumbing licenses in Florida?
There are several types of plumbing credentials in Florida:
- Apprentice Plumber - Entry-level, works under supervision
- Journeyman Plumber - Licensed to work independently
- Master Plumber - Advanced license with additional experience
- Certified Plumbing Contractor - State-level license to operate a business
- Registered Plumbing Contractor - City/county-level license
Conclusion
A career in the plumbing industry offers numerous advantages once you move past the formalities. Flexibility, unlimited profit margins, and high demand are some of them. The plumbing work is immune to recession, stays in demand throughout the year, and offers various job opportunities. Since the revenue of the Florida plumbing industry is expected to increase in the upcoming years, becoming a licensed plumber in Florida can be a good source of income.
Career Advice
Start your own plumbing business to maximize your earning potential. With the average plumber in Florida earning $27.47/hour, owning your own business can significantly increase your income. The plumbing industry offers unlimited profit margins and consistent demand.
Ready to Grow Your Plumbing Business?
If you are planning to start a field service business, taking the help of an estimating and invoicing software can help you manage your accounting system easily while ensuring customer satisfaction! InvoiceOwl helps you generate estimates, invoices, purchase orders, receipts, and more.
Try InvoiceOwl Free