BrazeJobs

Florida Plumbing License Requirements

Florida doesn't license individual plumbers. Plumbing contractors need a state license from the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR). Some cities license plumbers.

Contractor only · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated

License tiers

ApprenticeNo state license
JourneymanNo state license; counties license
MasterNo state license
ContractorCertified/Registered Plumbing Contractor

Requirements

Contractor experience4 years including 1 as foreman
ExamState exam
Minimum age18
Renewal2 years
Continuing education14 hours per renewal
Local licenseWorkers may need local license
BoardFlorida Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR)

Board website

Local licenses in Florida

  • Jacksonville

    City

    Journeyman and master craftsman certificates of competency (city exams)

    Jacksonville Construction Trades Qualifying Board

    Consolidated city-county (Duval). Construction Trades Qualifying Board certifies heating/air-conditioning/refrigeration and plumbing trades under Ord. Code Chapter 342. Fees: journeyman exam $65, master exam $115, certificate $25.

  • Miami (licensed by Miami-Dade County)

    County

    Journeyman plumber personal certificate (county)

    Miami-Dade County Construction Trades Qualifying Board

    Journeyman plumber: 3 years' experience, one-part technical exam; application $240; master plumber 2 years as journeyman. Population is the City of Miami.

  • Tampa (licensed by Hillsborough County)

    County

    Journeyman plumber certificate of competency (county)

    Hillsborough County Development Services

    No State of Florida requirement for a journeyman certificate; holder works under a licensed plumbing contractor. Page does not say it is mandatory. Fees $50 + $100 + $70. Population is the City of Tampa.

    • Source: hcfl.gov · checked November 5, 2026

Exam

Exam providerProfessional Testing, Inc. / Pearson VUE (for CILB)
FormatOpen book

Plumbing contractor exam. DBPR contracts Professional Testing, Inc. to develop and score exams; candidates test at Pearson VUE. All construction exams are open book, multiple choice, with a Business and Finance exam plus trade exams.

Licensed in another state or the military

ReciprocityNone
Military experience creditYes: up to 3 years of military experience toward certified contractor experience (since July 1, 2016); Guard/Reserve interrupted training credited (s. 250.483, F.S.)

Apprenticeship

Registering agencyState Apprenticeship Agency (Florida Department of Education)

Plumbing code

Code in forceFBC-Plumbing 8th Edition (2023), based on 2021 IPC
Next editionFBC 9th Edition (2026), effective Dec 31, 2026
  • Source: floridabuilding.org page 1, page 2 · checked November 5, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Official sources

Rules change. Confirm with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR) before you start work.