How to Get Your Certified Plumbing Contractor License in Florida
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for Florida. Last verified: February 2026.
Important Note
Florida does not have a statewide Journeyman Plumber license. The state licenses Certified Plumbing Contractors (statewide) and Registered Plumbing Contractors (local/county). This page covers the Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor path, which is the statewide credential for licensed plumbing work.
Major Local Licensing Jurisdictions
What You Still Need — Regardless of Jurisdiction
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training (required on most commercial job sites)
- ✓Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor License (CFC) — issued by DBPR CILB (required to operate a plumbing business)
- ✓Workers' Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance (required for licensed contractors)
Quick Facts
Hours Required
4+ years plumbing experience (including 1 year in supervisory role) [VERIFY]
Exam
Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor Examination
Fee Range
$249–$450 total [VERIFY]
Governing Body
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)
Requirements
Florida licenses Plumbing Contractors through DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at two levels: Certified (statewide) and Registered (local jurisdiction only). To obtain a Certified Plumbing Contractor license, you must document at least 4 years of plumbing experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or project management capacity, demonstrate financial responsibility, carry workers' compensation and general liability insurance, and pass the Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor exam through Pearson VUE. Florida does not maintain a statewide Journeyman Plumber license. [VERIFY current experience requirements at myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/]
Steps to Apply
- 1
Accumulate at least 4 years of plumbing experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or management role. Document all experience with employer verification letters. [VERIFY current requirements]
- 2
Obtain required insurance: workers' compensation (or exemption) and general liability coverage meeting DBPR minimums.
- 3
Gather all documentation: experience verification, financial statements, insurance certificates, and personal references.
- 4
Submit your Certified Plumbing Contractor application to DBPR with the approximately $249 application fee and all supporting documents.
- 5
Pass the Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor exam through Pearson VUE (covers Florida Plumbing Code, calculations, and business/finance).
- 6
After CILB approval, your Certified Plumbing Contractor license is valid statewide. Renew biennially and complete required continuing education.
Exam Details
The Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor exam is administered by Pearson VUE and covers the Florida Plumbing Code (which is based on the International Plumbing Code with Florida amendments), plumbing calculations, and business and finance. Multiple exam portions must be passed. [VERIFY current exam format, code edition in use, and passing scores at myfloridalicense.com]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: $249–$450 total [VERIFY]
DBPR application fee: approximately $249. Pearson VUE exam fees: varies by portion. Workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance are required ongoing costs. Background check: additional fees may apply. Estimated initial total: $249–$450. [VERIFY current fees at myfloridalicense.com]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have a statewide Journeyman Plumber license?
No. Florida does not have a statewide Journeyman Plumber license. The state licenses Certified Plumbing Contractors (statewide) and Registered Plumbing Contractors (local). If you are looking for a journeyman-level credential, contact your county or city building department — some local jurisdictions issue local plumbing certificates.
What is the difference between a Florida Certified and Registered Plumbing Contractor?
A Certified Plumbing Contractor holds a statewide license valid throughout Florida, issued by DBPR CILB. A Registered Plumbing Contractor holds a locally issued license valid only in the jurisdiction that issued it. Certified is the statewide credential.
What plumbing code does Florida use for the contractor exam?
Florida uses the Florida Plumbing Code, which is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Florida-specific amendments. [VERIFY current code edition in use at myfloridalicense.com]
How long is the Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor license valid?
The license must be renewed biennially (every 2 years). Continuing education is required at each renewal. [VERIFY current CE requirements at myfloridalicense.com]
Why doesn't Florida have a statewide Journeyman Plumber license?
Florida's plumbing licensing model focuses on the contractor (business) level through DBPR CILB rather than issuing individual journeyman cards. All plumbing work must be performed under a licensed Plumbing Contractor. Some local jurisdictions may have their own journeyman-level registration requirements.
How do I find local plumbing requirements in Florida?
Check with the building or licensing department of your specific county or city. For journeyman-level credentials, contact your local UA plumbing union hall or your county building department. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties may have local plumber registration requirements [VERIFY with each county's building department].
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Certified Plumbing Contractor License in other states