Plumbing Contractor License Requirements in Florida

Overview — plumbing licensing in Florida

Florida requires a state-level plumbing contractor license, issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (within DBPR). The license verifies competence and consumer protection, and is required to legally bid and perform plumbing work in the state. Working without one when required is typically a misdemeanor and exposes the contractor to civil penalties — and the contract becomes unenforceable in court.

License classes available

Florida offers 2 plumbing license classes — pick based on the largest project you plan to bid:

• Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC). Statewide. Allows any plumbing work in any Florida county.
• Registered Plumbing Contractor (RF). Local registration only.

Experience required

4 years of construction experience, at least 1 as foreman, OR equivalent education.

Exam — what you're tested on

Florida requires a written examination administered by Pearson VUE. Topics covered:

• FL Building Code Plumbing
• Business and finance
• FL contracting law

Passing score: 75%.

Fees

• Application fee: $249
• Initial license fee: $209
• Renewal fee: $209 ( biennial)

Bond & insurance

Bond: Not required at the state level.

General liability insurance: Minimum $100,000.

Workers' compensation: Required for 1+ employees. Sole prop exemption available.

Continuing education

Florida requires 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years. CE must come from approved providers — verify a course is approved before paying. Required topics typically include:

• 1 hour workplace safety
• 1 hour workers comp
• 1 hour business practices
• 1 hour laws and rules
• 10 hours general / FL plumbing code

Reciprocity with other states

Florida has reciprocity agreements with: GA, NC, SC, TN, LA. Reciprocity typically waives the trade exam if you hold an equivalent license in good standing in the reciprocal state for at least one year. Each state still requires its own application and business/law exam.

Local permits and requirements

Every FL county requires plumbing permits. Miami-Dade enforces stricter pipe protection standards.

Common gotchas

Things that catch most applicants on their first license cycle in Florida:

• Florida's heat + termites mean plumbing is more failure-prone — code is conservative.
• Backflow prevention is heavily regulated by water utilities; separate certification often required.
• Plumbing-specific CE blocks are required (10 hrs of 14 must be plumbing-related).
• AOB rules apply to water-damage restoration, including plumbing-related leaks.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between FL Certified and Registered plumbing contractor?

Certified is statewide — work anywhere in FL. Registered is local — only the county that registered you. Most plumbers go Certified.

How long does FL CFC licensing take?

Application: 30–60 days. Exam queue: 2–8 weeks. Total: 3–6 months from start.

Does Florida require backflow certification on top of CFC?

Yes for installing or testing backflow assemblies. Required by all FL water utilities. AWWA or USC accredited program. Separate from CFC.

Can I keep my FL CFC if I move out of state?

Yes. No FL residency requirement. Maintain insurance, complete CE, pay biennial renewal.

What CE counts for FL's 14-hour plumbing requirement?

DBPR-approved courses only. Florida Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (FRPHCC) and most community colleges run approved CE. Verify provider before paying.