Lots of sun, high temperatures and close ocean proximity create plenty of work for plumbers in the Sunshine State. If you want to get your Florida plumbers license, you must be certified by the state.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will require a Florida plumber seeking a license to pass an exam, demonstrate previous work experience and education and obtain the right insurance.
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In addition to achieving a passing score on the qualifying exam for a plumber license, Florida residents must meet the following requirements:
Plumbing license applicants must meet one of the following educational/experience requirements:
You must provide details about your employment history on the application, including your employer’s license number and contact information.
You must demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a personal credit report with a credit score of 660 or higher and no unsatisfied judgments or liens. If you do not meet these qualifications, you must provide a bond or letter of credit.
Completing a 14-hour financial responsibility course will decrease the required amount for the bond or letter of credit.
You must disclose your criminal history and pending bankruptcies or previous instances in which a professional license was denied, suspended or revoked. Florida plumbing license applicants must also submit electronic fingerprints to the CILB as part of a complete background check.
You must have a certified plumbing contractor license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to work as a plumbing contractor in this state.
In Florida, a plumbing contractor is defined as a person “whose contracting business consists of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend or, when not prohibited by law, design plumbing.”
This license permits plumbing contractors to work on a wide variety of plumbing and piping projects, such as public or private water supply systems, septic tanks, drainage and supply wells, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems and solar heating water systems.
Before you submit your Florida plumber license application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, you must pass a two-part exam.
Sign up for a Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) examination at FloridaExam. You must pass both parts of the exam:
After passing the licensing exam, apply online or print an application and submit it to the CILB by mail. You must include a payment for the non-refundable application fee with your completed application. Since license renewal is required every two years, fees vary based on whether you apply for licensure in an even or odd year.
Typically, the CILB issues licenses within two weeks after approval. Applicants receive a mailed notice about two weeks before the meeting in which the application is scheduled for review.
To become a licensed plumber in Florida you’ll need business insurance. All certified plumbing contractors in Florida must have the following types of insurance:
Each certificate of insurance should list the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Construction Industry Licensing Board as the certificate holder.
If you or an employee gets hurt on the job, workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for lost wages and medical expenses.
General liability insurance covers you if certain types of work-related accidents occur, like property damage or an injury to a client.
You can repair or replace work gear that is damaged or stolen with tools and equipment insurance.
Most plumbers drive to different sites for work, which requires commercial auto insurance. This insurance provides coverage for costs related to a vehicle accident, like towing and repairs.
With commercial property insurance, you’ll get coverage for property damage or vandalism if you own or rent space for your business.
Certified plumber licenses expire on August 31 in each even-numbered year. You must pay a $205 renewal fee and complete 14 hours of continuing education to complete the renewal process.
Your required 14 continuing education hours for license renewal must include the following:
The remaining hours may include any board-approved construction-related instruction.
The CILB does not maintain reciprocity agreements with other states for plumber licenses. Plumbers who hold an out-of-state license may be able to apply for endorsement if they meet one of the following requirements:
NEXT makes it easy to find affordable plumber insurance, including business insurance and self-employed plumber insurance. We’ve put together thousands of custom insurance packages for contractors like you, and we can help you meet the state licensing requirements for Florida.
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Ashley Henshaw was a contributing writer at NEXT. She specializes in small business topics, covering everything from insurance and branding to web hosting and cryptocurrency.
Her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, AOL City's Best, Citysearch, USA Today, The San Francisco Chronicle and Livestrong.
