Plumber License Requirements in Florida
| Licensing Authority | Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) |
| License Type | CFC - Certified Plumbing Contractor |
| Experience Required | 4 years (7,680 hours) of practical plumbing experience, including 1 year as foreman |
| Education Substitute | Approved plumbing degree may substitute for up to 3 years |
| Exam Required | Yes — Plumbing Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 14 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $249 |
| Exam Fee | $150 |
| Est. Initial Total | $399 |
Renewal: $209 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Plumbing Trade Exam
Exam provider: Pearson VUE
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Florida
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Florida. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
You're licensed in Florida as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Construction Industry Licensing Board issues the CFC - Certified Plumbing Contractor; the business that invoices Florida customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Florida does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Florida requires general liability insurance for this license. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $209. Continuing education: 14 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Florida
- General Contractor license in Florida
Statewide license required · $535 in initial government fees · CILB
- Electrician license in Florida
Statewide license required · $399 in initial government fees · ECLB
- HVAC Technician license in Florida
Statewide license required · $399 in initial government fees · CILB
- Roofing Contractor license in Florida
Statewide license required · $399 in initial government fees · CILB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Florida?
Yes, Florida requires a statewide plumber license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Florida?
The estimated initial cost is $399, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Florida?
4 years (7,680 hours) of practical plumbing experience, including 1 year as foreman Education substitute: Approved plumbing degree may substitute for up to 3 years
What exams are required for a plumber license in Florida?
You must pass the Plumbing Trade Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Pearson VUE.
Does Florida have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, Florida has reciprocity agreements with 3 states that may apply to plumbers. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Florida?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Florida?
Yes, 14 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Florida— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: CILB