Florida Plumbing License Requirements (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you want to perform plumbing work legally in Florida, whether to become a plumber, start a plumbing business, or hire other plumbers, you need the proper licenses issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Florida regulates plumbing contractors at the state level and also recognizes locally registered plumbing professionals. These regulations protect public safety, ensure quality construction, and set consistent standards for plumbing professionals.

Do You Need a Plumbing License in Florida?

Yes. Under Florida law, it is illegal to perform plumbing work for compensation without the appropriate state or local plumbing license. Anyone who advertises, bids, or contracts for plumbing services must hold a valid plumbing license — either statewide certified or locally registered — to protect public safety and ensure compliance with building codes.

Unlicensed individuals may be permitted to assist licensed plumbers or perform specific tasks under supervision, but they cannot work independently or legally be paid for plumbing services without a license.

Types of Plumbing Licenses in Florida

Certified Plumbing Contractor (Statewide License)

A Certified Plumbing Contractor License is the most comprehensive plumbing credential in Florida and allows you to:

• Perform plumbing work anywhere in the state.
• Advertise, bid, and enter into contracts for plumbing services.
• Pull permits and pass inspections statewide.

Requirements typically include:

• At least 4 years of documented plumbing experience in the last 10 years (including journeyman or supervisory roles).
• Passing the state plumbing contractor exam, which includes trade knowledge and business/finance sections.
• Proof of financial responsibility and stability (e.g., personal/business credit report).
• Insurance, including general liability and, if applicable, workers’ compensation.

Once certified, you can work anywhere in Florida without additional local exams.

Registered Plumbing Contractor (Local License)

A Registered Plumbing Contractor License allows you to work only within the jurisdiction where you passed the local competency exam and registered (for example, a specific county or city).

In some areas, this can be a useful stepping stone to full state certification, but it limits geographic scope and project size. It also requires compliance with both local building department rules and DBPR registration procedures.

Experience, Education, and Examination Requirements

Experience

Florida typically requires a minimum of four years of plumbing experience that must be verifiable and directly related to plumbing work. This work may include installation, repair, maintenance, and supervisory experience under a licensed plumber.

Educational Elements

While a formal trade school education is not always mandatory, many applicants complete training programs or apprenticeships to satisfy experience requirements and prepare for the licensing exams.

Licensing Exams

Before receiving a Certified Plumbing Contractor license, you must pass:

• A state plumbing trade examination — covers technical knowledge and code compliance.
• A business & finance examination — covers contracts, business law, financial management, and safety.

Passing both exams demonstrates competency in both the technical and operational aspects of plumbing contracting.

Insurance and Financial Responsibility

Becoming a plumbing contractor in Florida requires proof of financial stability and insurance coverage. Common requirements include:

• General liability insurance to protect clients and the public.
• Workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
• A credit report demonstrating financial responsibility.

These safeguards protect customers and ensure the contractor can meet contractual and legal obligations.

License Renewal and Continuing Requirements

Florida plumbing licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal typically requires:

• Payment of the renewal fee.
• Completion of continuing education hours, which may include updates on plumbing codes, safety, and state law.

Failing to renew on time can result in fines, license suspension, or the need to retake exams.

Reciprocity and Endorsement

Florida may allow licensing by endorsement for out-of-state plumbers who meet equivalent qualifications and pass the Florida certification exam. Reciprocity depends on specific provisions and documentation of experience from the applicant’s original state.

Check with the DBPR for the most current reciprocity and endorsement processes.

What Work Is Allowed Without a License

In Florida, limited tasks such as minor repairs, drain unclogging, or component replacements under supervision may be performed by unlicensed individuals, but you cannot legally provide plumbing services for compensation without the appropriate license.

Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work

Performing plumbing work without the required license can lead to:

• Fines up to several thousand dollars per violation.
• Stop-work orders from building departments.
• Civil or criminal penalties in severe cases.

Staying properly licensed protects you, your business, and your clients.

Tips for Building a Plumbing Business in Florida

To grow your plumbing career or business:

• Track all experience hours, exam results, and continuing education dates.
• Maintain up-to-date insurance and financial documentation.
• Use business management software like Housecall Pro to manage permits, jobs, invoices, and compliance documentation.
• Stay current with Florida plumbing code updates and DBPR rules.

These practices help you avoid compliance issues while scaling your services.

Local Plumbing License Requirements in Florida

While Florida issues statewide certified plumbing licenses, counties and cities still play a major role in local registration, permitting, and inspections. Requirements often differ depending on whether you work inside a city or in unincorporated county areas.

Below are local overviews for some of Florida’s largest markets.

Plumbing License Requirements in Miami-Dade County, FL

Miami-Dade County enforces plumbing regulations through the Miami-Dade County Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) Department.

Miami-Dade Overview

• Plumbers must hold either a Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor License or a locally registered plumbing contractor license.
• Certified contractors may work countywide without taking a local exam.
• Registered contractors are limited to Miami-Dade jurisdiction and must meet local competency requirements.

Local Compliance in Miami-Dade

Plumbing contractors may be required to:

• Register their license with Miami-Dade County
• Pull permits for plumbing installations, repairs, and system alterations
• Schedule inspections for rough-in and final approval
• Comply with floodplain, environmental, and coastal construction rules where applicable

Municipal rules apply within cities like Miami, Hialeah, and Miami Beach, but county permitting rules often still apply.

Plumbing License Requirements in Broward County, FL

Broward County regulates plumbing through local building departments and the Broward County Building Code Services Division.

Broward County Overview

• Florida-certified plumbing contractors may operate throughout Broward County.
• Locally registered plumbing contractors are limited to specific cities or unincorporated areas.
• Plumbing permits are required for most residential and commercial plumbing work.

Broward County Considerations

Plumbers working in Broward County should expect to:

• Register with the county or city where work is performed
• Obtain permits prior to starting plumbing work
• Schedule required inspections
• Follow Broward County amendments to the Florida Building Code

Cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines may have additional registration steps.

Plumbing License Requirements in Hillsborough County, FL

Hillsborough County includes Tampa and surrounding areas and regulates plumbing work through Hillsborough County Development Services.

Hillsborough County Overview

• State-certified plumbing contractors can work countywide without additional exams.
• Registered plumbing contractors are limited to approved jurisdictions.
• Plumbing permits and inspections are required for most work.

Local Rules in Hillsborough County

Plumbers may need to:

• Register their license with Hillsborough County or the City of Tampa
• Pull permits before beginning work
• Coordinate inspections for compliance with the Florida Plumbing Code

Unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County follow county permitting rules, while Tampa enforces city-specific procedures.

Plumbing License Requirements in Orange County, FL

Orange County (including Orlando) enforces plumbing regulations through Orange County Development Services.

Orange County Overview

• Florida-certified plumbing contractors may operate anywhere in Orange County.
• Registered plumbing contractors are limited to approved municipalities.
• Plumbing permits are required for new installations, remodels, and major repairs.

Orange County Compliance Notes

Plumbing contractors typically must:

• Register with Orange County or the City of Orlando
• Pull permits and request inspections
• Follow local enforcement of the Florida Plumbing Code

Projects in unincorporated Orange County follow county rules, while Orlando and other cities may have additional requirements.

Working Across Multiple Florida Counties

Even with a statewide certified plumbing license, contractors must still:

• Register with local jurisdictions where required
• Follow county and city permit processes
• Schedule inspections according to local rules

Registered (non-certified) contractors must pay close attention to jurisdiction boundaries, as working outside an approved area can result in penalties.

Managing Local Compliance More Easily

Plumbers working across Florida counties often use software like Housecall Pro to:

• Track license type (certified vs. registered)
• Store county and city registration documents
• Manage permits and inspection schedules
• Keep jobs organized across service areas

This helps reduce compliance issues while scaling a plumbing business statewide.