If you're thinking about becoming a plumber in Florida, getting your plumbing license is an important step. Licensed plumbers have more job opportunities, earn higher wages, and can take on bigger projects. But how do you actually get licensed?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your plumbing career, this step-by-step breakdown will help you understand the process and requirements.
If you’re planning to work as a plumber in Florida, getting a plumbing license isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement. The state has strict regulations in place to ensure that all plumbing work meets safety and quality standards. Plumbing systems are responsible for delivering clean water and safely removing waste, so it’s essential that professionals handling these systems are properly trained and qualified.
Yes, Florida law requires plumbers to be licensed. Whether you’re working on residential, commercial, or industrial plumbing systems, you must hold a valid license to perform any plumbing work legally. Without a license, you can face legal penalties, fines, and even the inability to work on certain projects.
Beyond just following the law, getting a plumbing license comes with several career advantages:
If you perform plumbing work without a license in Florida, you could face serious consequences, including:
Getting your plumbing license is the best way to protect yourself legally, financially, and professionally.
Florida offers two main types of plumbing licenses:
Each license has different requirements and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your career goals.
A certified plumbing license allows you to work anywhere in Florida. This license is issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and is ideal for plumbers who want the flexibility to take on jobs throughout the state.
To qualify for a certified plumbing license, you must:
Since this license is recognized throughout Florida, it provides the most flexibility for plumbers who want to expand their career opportunities.
A registered plumbing license allows you to work only in specific local jurisdictions (cities or counties) within Florida. Unlike the certified plumbing license, which is valid statewide, the registered plumbing license requires you to meet local government requirements and obtain certification from the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
A registered plumbing license is a great option if you only plan to work in one area and don’t need to move between different cities or counties.
If you plan to work across Florida, want to take on larger projects, or start your own business, the certified plumbing license is the better option. It offers more flexibility and career opportunities.
If you only plan to work in one city or county and do not need to take on projects outside that area, then the registered plumbing license may be the right choice.
Both licenses require you to meet experience and education requirements, pass exams, and maintain proper insurance. However, the certified license offers more long-term benefits, especially if you want to grow your career.
Getting your plumbing license in Florida is a smart move that opens doors to more job opportunities, better pay, and career growth. Whether you choose a certified plumbing license or a registered plumbing license, taking the time to meet the requirements and get licensed will set you up for success in the industry.
If you’re looking for plumbing job opportunities in Florida, Tower Eight Staffing can help. We specialize in connecting skilled plumbers with top employers in the state.
If you’re ready to start your plumbing career in Florida, the licensing process might seem overwhelming at first. However, by breaking it down into clear steps, you’ll see that it’s a straightforward path to follow. Here’s what you need to do to get your plumbing license in Florida.
Before you can apply for a plumbing license, you need to meet the basic qualifications set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
To be eligible for a plumbing license in Florida, you must:
If you meet these basic requirements, you can move on to gaining hands-on experience, which is a critical step toward becoming a licensed plumber.
Plumbing is a hands-on trade, and Florida requires plumbers to have real-world experience before they can become licensed. This ensures that every licensed plumber has the necessary skills to handle installations, repairs, and maintenance safely and correctly.
Florida requires at least four years of plumbing work experience. This experience can be obtained in different ways:
An apprenticeship is a training program where you work under the supervision of a licensed plumber while learning the trade. Apprenticeships typically last four to five years and include both hands-on training and classroom instruction.
Benefits of an apprenticeship:
Although Florida does not require you to attend a trade school, enrolling in one can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed for licensing. Some trade schools and vocational programs can also reduce the amount of required work experience.
Plumbing schools cover essential skills, including:
Some trade schools offer programs that can count toward the work experience requirement, reducing the total time needed to qualify for the license exam.
Once you have the required experience, you need to apply for the Florida plumbing license exam through the DBPR.
The application process includes:
After submitting your application, you’ll receive details on how to schedule your exam.
The plumbing license exam is designed to test your knowledge of plumbing laws, business regulations, and trade skills.
The test covers:
Once you pass the exam, you’re one step closer to getting your license.
Before receiving your plumbing license, Florida requires you to meet certain financial and insurance requirements.
These requirements protect both you and your clients in case of accidents or disputes.
Once you have passed the exam and secured the required insurance, you must submit a final license application to the DBPR.
After your application is reviewed and approved, you will officially receive your Florida plumbing license, allowing you to legally work as a plumber in the state.
Once you have your plumbing license, you can start working as a licensed plumber, apply for jobs with construction companies, or even start your own plumbing business.
Plumbing licenses must be renewed periodically. You may need to complete continuing education courses to stay updated on Florida plumbing laws and industry advancements.
Yes, if you start with a registered plumbing license but want to work statewide, you can later apply for a certified plumbing license by meeting additional requirements.
Getting your plumbing license is a big step, but it opens the door to a rewarding career with strong earning potential. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed plumber in Florida.
If you want the freedom to work anywhere in Florida and take on bigger projects, becoming a certified plumber is the way to go. A certified plumbing license is a statewide license, meaning you are not limited to a single city or county. This allows you to work on larger construction projects, apply for higher-paying jobs, and even start your own plumbing business.
So, how do you become a certified plumber in Florida? The process involves meeting specific experience and education requirements, passing the state exam, and fulfilling financial and insurance obligations. Below, we’ll walk through each step in detail.
Before applying for a certified plumbing license, you need to meet Florida’s work experience and education requirements. This ensures that all licensed plumbers have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform plumbing work safely and according to state codes.
Yes. If you attend a plumbing trade school, your education may replace a portion of the four-year work experience requirement. The exact amount of time that can be substituted depends on the program, so it’s important to check with Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to see how much credit you can receive.
Once you’ve met the work experience and education requirements, the next step is passing the Florida plumbing license exam. This test evaluates your knowledge of state plumbing laws, building codes, and business management practices.
The exam covers a variety of topics, including:
How do you schedule the exam?
After submitting your application to the DBPR, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam. The test is administered by a third-party organization, and you’ll need to register for an available testing date.
Before receiving your certified plumbing license, Florida requires proof of financial responsibility and insurance coverage. These requirements are designed to protect both you and your clients from potential risks.
Failing to meet these insurance requirements can delay your licensing process or even result in your application being denied.
Once you have passed the exam and met the insurance requirements, the last step is submitting your final application to the DBPR for approval.
After reviewing your application, the DBPR will issue your certified plumbing license, allowing you to legally work anywhere in Florida.
The time it takes to get a plumbing license depends on your work experience, education, and how quickly you move through each step of the process.
General Timeline:
In total, most people take about four to five years to meet all the requirements and become a licensed plumber in Florida. However, if you attend a trade school, you may be able to shorten this timeline by reducing the required work experience.
Yes, earning a certified plumbing license is worth the effort for several reasons:
While the process of becoming a certified plumber requires time and effort, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment in your career. By meeting the experience requirements, passing the exam, and fulfilling insurance obligations, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding plumbing career in Florida.
The total cost of getting a plumbing license varies, but here’s a rough estimate:
While the costs may seem high, having a plumbing license leads to better pay and more job stability.
Now that you know how to get a plumbing license in Florida, the next step is gaining hands-on experience and finding the right job opportunities. Tower Eight Staffing connects skilled workers with top employers in the construction industry, helping plumbers at all levels find work that fits their skills.
If you're ready to take the next step in your plumbing career, contact Tower Eight Staffing today to explore job opportunities in Florida.