Plumber in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.
Jobs (FL)
10-yr job growth
Est. total cost
Time to complete
route How to become a plumber in Florida
To become a Certified Plumbing Contractor in Florida, individuals must obtain a state license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Construction Industry Licensing Board. This requires at least four years of experience, which can be a combination of education and practical work, including time as a foreman. Applicants must pass a two-part state certification exam covering Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge, and submit an application with the applicable fees. While Florida does not offer full reciprocity for plumbing licenses, experienced out-of-state contractors may be eligible for licensure by endorsement.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Florida. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Florida requirements
| Licensing body | Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Construction Industry Licensing Board |
| State license | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Experience | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Florida Plumbing Contractor Examination (Business & Finance, Trade Knowledge) ($295) |
| Application fee | $249 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 14.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED. A background check, including fingerprints, is required. Applicants must also demonstrate financial responsibility (FICO score of 660 or higher, or a contractor's bond). General liability insurance ($100,000) and property damage insurance ($25,000) are mandatory, as is workers' compensation insurance (or an exemption). Experience can be a combination of education and work, with specific breakdowns for college credits and foreman experience. The 'time to complete' refers to the experience requirement. |
Source: Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Construction Industry Licensing Board
workspace_premium Florida license tiers
Florida offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Certified Plumbing Contractor | 8,000 |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleFlorida license required โ clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk