How to Become a Plumber in Florida
Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
So, you’re thinking about becoming a plumber in Florida? Great choice. Plumbers are essential to every home and building—especially in a fast-growing, high-humidity state like Florida. Whether you're fresh out of high school or changing careers, this guide lays out every step of the path to become a licensed plumber, with help from the Florida DBPR1, the U.S. Department of Labor2, and the Florida Building Code.
Do You Need a License to Be a Plumber in Florida?
Yes. All plumbers in Florida must be licensed to work legally—either at the local level (Registered) or statewide (Certified).
| License Type | Scope of Work | Regulated By |
|---|---|---|
| Registered | Local jurisdiction only | Local Authorities |
| Certified | Valid statewide across all of Florida | Florida DBPR1 |
"To legally perform plumbing services in Florida, you must hold a certified or registered license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)." — DBPR Construction Licensing Unit1
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Plumber in Florida
1. Meet Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Able to pass a criminal background check3
2. Complete Plumbing Training or Apprenticeship
There’s no one-size-fits-all path, but most plumbers start with an apprenticeship or technical school program.
| Training Path | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 4–5 years | Paid, hands-on experience + classroom hours |
| Trade School | 9–24 months | Structured programs with certification prep |
“Florida apprenticeship programs are registered through the Florida Department of Education and allow you to earn while you learn.” — FLDOE4
3. Gain Work Experience
Before applying for a Certified Plumbing Contractor license, you’ll need to prove at least 4 years of experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
Up to 3 years of education can substitute for experience if it's in a DBPR-approved program.
4. Apply for a License with the Florida DBPR
You can apply for either a Registered or Certified Plumbing Contractor License depending on where you want to work.
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Submit application | myfloridalicense.com |
| Pay licensing fees | ~$249–$309 (certified), varies for registered |
| Submit proof of experience | Verified work history or education+experience combo |
| Pass background screening3 | Required for all DBPR licensees |
5. Pass the Florida Plumbing License Exam
| Exam Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Provider | PSI Exams5 |
| Sections | Business & Finance + Plumbing Trade |
| Format | Computer-based |
| Passing Score | 70%+ on each section |
Study materials are available directly from the exam provider and most plumbing schools.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Technical school or program | $2,000–$15,000 |
| DBPR License Application | ~$250–$310 |
| PSI Exam Fee | ~$135 per part |
| Fingerprinting & Background Check | $60–$100 |
| Tools & Materials (optional) | $300–$1,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,500–$17,000+ |
Plumber Salary & Job Outlook in Florida
| Role | Avg. Salary2 | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | $35,000–$42,000 | Growing |
| Journeyman Plumber | $50,000–$60,000 | High demand |
| Licensed Contractor | $70,000–$90,000+ | Very strong |
“Florida plumbers earn a median wage of $58,250. Demand is growing due to population growth, housing construction, and aging infrastructure.” — BLS2
Other Florida Trades
- Electrician in Florida
- HVAC in Florida
- Welder in Florida
- Carpenter in Florida
- Solar Installer in Florida
- Mold Inspector in Florida
FAQs
Do plumbers need to be licensed in Florida?
Yes. All plumbers must hold either a local Registered license or statewide Certified license.
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Florida?
Most people take 4–5 years via apprenticeship or 2 years of school + experience to qualify.
Is plumbing a good career in Florida?
Absolutely. Demand is rising due to housing growth and a shortage of licensed tradespeople.
Can I get financial aid for plumbing school?
Yes. Many schools in Florida accept Pell Grants, GI Bill funds, and state workforce grants.
Citations
-
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) – Construction Industry Licensing Board: https://www.myfloridalicense.com ↩ ↩ ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm ↩ ↩ ↩
-
Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Background Screening: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us ↩ ↩
-
Florida Department of Education – Apprenticeships: https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/apprenticeship-programs/ ↩
-
PSI Exams – Florida Contractor Testing: https://candidate.psiexams.com ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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