Florida Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: Certified / Registered Plumbing Contractor (CILB) · Issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), under Florida DBPR.
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In Florida, plumbers must hold the Certified / Registered Plumbing Contractor (CILB), issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), under Florida DBPR, and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed plumber in Florida
Follow these steps to earn your Certified / Registered Plumbing Contractor (CILB). Every figure is verified against the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), under Florida DBPR; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. 4 years experience with at least 1 year as a foreman/supervisor. Alternative paths combine college credits with field experience (e.g. 4-year construction degree + 1 year plumbing).
- Pass the State Plumbing Trade Exam and Business & Finance Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Florida requires Bond available as an alternative if the 660+ credit requirement is not met; a 14-hour financial responsibility course can reduce the bond amount.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($100,000 minimum public liability), and workers' compensation coverage.
- Clear the background check. Electronic fingerprints required
- Meet the credit / financial requirement. 660+ FICO with no unsatisfied judgments or liens (or post a bond instead)
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), under Florida DBPR — $149 (apply by Apr 30 of an even year) / $249 (May 1 of an even year through Apr 30 of the next even year) application fee, plus a Included license fee. Processing time: Typically ~2 weeks after approval.
- Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (Certified licenses expire Aug 31 of even years), completing 14 hours per cycle (incl. 1 hr each of safety, business, workers' comp, laws/rules, advanced; 9 hrs construction).
Florida plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Florida — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- Certified Plumbing Contractor — Work statewide
- Registered Plumbing Contractor — Work only in the local jurisdiction where registered
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | 4 years experience with at least 1 year as a foreman/supervisor. Alternative paths combine college credits with field experience (e.g. 4-year construction degree + 1 year plumbing). |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $149 (apply by Apr 30 of an even year) / $249 (May 1 of an even year through Apr 30 of the next even year) |
| License fee | Included |
| Renewal fee | $209 biennial (plus $50 per qualifying business entity) |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (Certified licenses expire Aug 31 of even years) |
| Continuing education | 14 hours per cycle (incl. 1 hr each of safety, business, workers' comp, laws/rules, advanced; 9 hrs construction) |
| Bond required | Bond available as an alternative if the 660+ credit requirement is not met; a 14-hour financial responsibility course can reduce the bond amount |
| Liability insurance | $100,000 minimum public liability |
| Property damage | $25,000 minimum |
| Workers' comp | Required, or file exemption within 30 days of license issuance |
| Background check | Electronic fingerprints required |
| Credit requirement | 660+ FICO with no unsatisfied judgments or liens (or post a bond instead) |
| Reciprocity | Limited; CILB reviews case-by-case |
| Processing time | Typically ~2 weeks after approval |
Exams
| State Plumbing Trade Exam | Provider: Professional Testing Inc. / DBPR · Passing: 70% per section · Fee: $80 |
|---|---|
| Business & Finance Exam | Provider: Pearson VUE (CBT) · Passing: 70% · Fee: $80 |
Local / municipal notes
Registered (vs Certified) plumbers are limited to the local jurisdiction that registered them.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Florida plumber license cost?
Application: $149 (apply by Apr 30 of an even year) / $249 (May 1 of an even year through Apr 30 of the next even year). License: Included. Renewal: $209 biennial (plus $50 per qualifying business entity).
How do I look up a plumber license in Florida?
Search the official license database at myfloridalicense.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do plumbers in Florida need a surety bond?
Bond available as an alternative if the 660+ credit requirement is not met; a 14-hour financial responsibility course can reduce the bond amount
What experience is required for a Florida plumber license?
4 years experience with at least 1 year as a foreman/supervisor. Alternative paths combine college credits with field experience (e.g. 4-year construction degree + 1 year plumbing).
Is insurance required for plumbers in Florida?
Liability: $100,000 minimum public liability Workers' compensation: Required, or file exemption within 30 days of license issuance
How often must a Florida plumber license be renewed?
Every 2 years (Certified licenses expire Aug 31 of even years). Continuing education: 14 hours per cycle (incl. 1 hr each of safety, business, workers' comp, laws/rules, advanced; 9 hrs construction)
Official sources
www2.myfloridalicense.com
nextinsurance.com/blog/florida-plumber-license-and-insurance-requirements