SPEC SHEET · FL · PLUMBER
Florida plumber license requirements
The answer
Florida has no statewide journeyman plumber license — journeyman cards are county-issued. The statewide credential is the DBPR Certified Plumbing Contractor: pass the state exams and qualify under s. 489.111, F.S. — most commonly 4 years of trade experience with at least 1 year as a foreman.Your paths to the license
4 years trade experience (1 as foreman)
At least 4 years of active experience as a skilled worker commanding a mechanic's rate (apprenticeship-trained) or as a foreman — with at least 1 year as a foreman. 2,000 person-hours = one full-time year.
Construction-related bachelor's + 1 year
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college in engineering, architecture or building construction plus 1 year of proven experience in plumbing contracting qualifies you for the exam.
College credits + experience combinations
s. 489.111 allows combinations: 1 year as foreman + 3 years of accredited college credits; or 1 year skilled worker + 1 year foreman + 2 years credits; or 2 years skilled worker + 1 year foreman + 1 year credits. Community-college courses count.
Licensed in another state
Florida offers CILB licensure by endorsement (CILB 10) if your out-of-state license was earned on substantially equivalent exam and experience standards — otherwise you take the Florida exams with your experience counted.
License levels in Florida
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman plumber (county) | Issued by county construction licensing boards; requirements vary by county. | — |
| Registered Plumbing Contractor | Local competency card registered with DBPR; contract only in the issuing jurisdictions. | — |
| Certified Plumbing Contractor | Statewide license: trade + business & finance exams and a s. 489.111 experience route. | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam registration + parts | Paid to Professional Testing, Inc. / Pearson VUE — see their current fee schedule |
The exam
| Provider | Professional Testing, Inc. (registration) + Pearson VUE (CBT); plumbing trade exam is paper-based, offered multiple times per year |
| Fees | Exam fees are paid directly to Professional Testing, Inc. / Pearson VUE |
| Notes | Three parts: trade knowledge, contract administration/project management, business & finance. |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: No automatic reciprocity; endorsement is available where the other state's standards are substantially equivalent. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Certified licenses expire August 31 of even years; renewal requires board-approved continuing education (Rule 61G4-18.001, F.A.C.) and the renewal fee.
Watch out: Employee plumbers generally need a county journeyman card — check your county licensing board. · Financial responsibility (credit report) and insurance are required at the licensure step.
Official sources for this page
Florida plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in Florida?
Florida has no statewide journeyman plumber license — journeyman cards are county-issued. The statewide credential is the DBPR Certified Plumbing Contractor: pass the state exams and qualify under s. 489.111, F.S. — most commonly 4 years of trade experience with at least 1 year as a foreman.
What does the Florida plumber license cost?
Exam fees are paid directly to Professional Testing, Inc. / Pearson VUE. Fee amounts are published on the current official application — see the sources below.
Does Florida have plumber license reciprocity?
No automatic reciprocity; endorsement is available where the other state's standards are substantially equivalent.
How often does the license renew?
Certified licenses expire August 31 of even years; renewal requires board-approved continuing education (Rule 61G4-18.001, F.A.C.) and the renewal fee.
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