How to become a licensed plumber in Florida (2026)

Florida licenses plumbing contractors, not individual journeymen, at the state level. The path: learn the trade through a registered apprenticeship (typically four to five years) or employment under a licensed contractor, then apply to the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board for a Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC) license — four years of experience with at least one as a foreman (college or military credit can substitute for part), pass the Business & Finance and plumbing trade exams, fingerprints, a credit check (FICO 660 or a bond) and proof of liability and workers' comp insurance. A Registered (RF) license is the county-limited alternative.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), through its Construction Industry Licensing Board, issues the CFC and RF plumbing contractor licenses. Journeyman and master plumber cards are issued by individual counties or cities, not the state, and are a common stepping stone to the contractor exam.

Four to five years for an apprenticeship or equivalent experience, then a few months for exam preparation, the state exams and DBPR processing. There is no shortcut around the experience requirement, though some college coursework and military experience count toward it.

Roughly $1,000–$2,500: DBPR application about $249, exams about $135 per part, fingerprinting $50–$60, an exam-prep course, the credit report, and a bond if your FICO is under 660. Business insurance is the ongoing cost.

Employed plumbers and pipefitters in Florida earn roughly $45,000–$65,000 a year according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data; apprentices start lower and master-level or union plumbers higher. Licensed contractors who own a company earn more but carry insurance, vehicles, tools and payroll. Check BLS occupational wage data for the current figure in your metro area.

Usually yes. Florida does not automatically disqualify applicants with a criminal record; the licensing board reviews each case and weighs crimes related to contracting, fraud or the license duties. Disclose convictions on the application. Working as an employee under a licensed contractor has no state background requirement at all.