# How to Get a Plumbing License in Florida: Local Journeyman Cards and the State Contractor Exam

Florida licenses plumbing contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB); journeyman plumbers are licensed by counties and cities. A certified plumbing contractor needs four years of experience, one as a foreman, and must pass Business and Finance plus a paper-and-pencil trade exam in Orlando that includes five isometric drawings.

## Key takeaways

- Journeyman plumber licenses are local. State law lets counties issue them after a state-approved apprenticeship or 12,000 hours of on-the-job training and a 75% exam.
- Certified plumbing contractors work statewide; registered contractors only where their local certificate applies.
- The Plumbing General Trade Knowledge exam is the one Florida construction exam still given on paper, in Orlando, six times a year.
- It's 110 multiple-choice questions plus 5 isometric drawings worth 10 points each; 70% of 160 points passes.
- Renewal: 14 CE hours every two years, with certified licenses expiring August 31 of even years.

## Who licenses plumbers in Florida?

It depends on the level. The DBPR [Construction Industry Licensing Board](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/) licenses plumbing *contractors*, the people and companies that contract plumbing work. Its scope for a plumbing contractor covers contracts requiring "the experience, financial means" and skill to "install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, when not prohibited by law, design plumbing" ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)). Journeyman plumbers, the licensed workers in the field, are licensed by counties and municipalities under Florida Statutes 489.1455.

> **Journeyman plumbers are licensed locally in Florida**
>
> There's no state journeyman plumber license. Your county or city sets the application, fee and exam schedule, within the minimums in Florida Statutes 489.1455.

> **Last verified**
>
> Each requirement links the DBPR document, Florida statute or county form it came from, checked on 2026-10-24.

## What are the Florida plumbing license levels?

**Florida plumbing credentials: issuer, experience, exam and renewal**

| Credential | Issued by | Experience | Exam | Fees | Renewal and CE |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Journeyman plumber | County or city ([Fla. Stat. 489.1455](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1455.html)) | State-approved apprenticeship or 12,000 hours OJT ([Fla. Stat. 489.1455](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1455.html)) | Proctored journeyman exam, at least 75% ([Fla. Stat. 489.1455](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1455.html)) | Set locally; e.g. $100 in Palm Beach County ([county form](https://discover.pbc.gov/pzb/CodeCompliance/Forms/journeyman_app.pdf)) | Set locally |
| Registered plumbing contractor | Local certificate of competency, registered with DBPR ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)) | Set by the local jurisdiction | Local exam | See [CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/) | Expires August 31 of odd years; 14 hours CE ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)) |
| Certified plumbing contractor | CILB, statewide ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)) | 4 years, at least 1 as foreman, or degree/credit paths ([Fla. Stat. 489.111](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/489.111)) | Business & Finance (CBT) + Plumbing General Trade Knowledge (paper) ([DBPR plumbing CIB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/const_p_cib.pdf)) | Application: see [CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/); renewal $205 ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)) | Expires August 31 of even years; 14 hours CE ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)) |

_Renewal is listed at $205 plus $50 per qualified business ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)). Verified 2026-10-24._

## How do you become a journeyman plumber in Florida?

Through your county or city. State law sets the floor: a journeyman license in the plumbing, pipe fitting, mechanical or HVAC trades requires a state-approved apprenticeship or "at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training in his or her specific trade," a proctored journeyman exam score of at least 75%, and Florida Building Commission coursework ([Fla. Stat. 489.1455](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1455.html)). Counties can then add their own paperwork and fees.

As one example, Palm Beach County's journeyman application (form revised 2019) accepts a registered 3-year plumbing apprenticeship or 4 years of full-time work under the direct supervision of a certified plumbing contractor, charges $100, and requires 75% on the trade exam ([Palm Beach County](https://discover.pbc.gov/pzb/CodeCompliance/Forms/journeyman_app.pdf)). That differs from the state's 12,000-hour figure, which is exactly why you check the county you'll work in.

Moving counties is easier than it used to be. Under 489.1455, a county or city "must recognize a person as a journeyman" in the plumbing trades if another Florida county or city issued that person a journeyman license in the same trade ([Fla. Stat. 489.1455](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1455.html)).

## How do you get a certified plumbing contractor license?

1. **Reach four years of experience, one as a foreman** Florida Statutes 489.111 requires four years of active experience with at least one year as a foreman, or one year of experience plus a four-year construction degree, or a mix of college credit and foreman time ([Fla. Stat. 489.111](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/489.111)). You must be 18.
2. **Register for the exams** DBPR contracts with Professional Testing, Inc. to register candidates and score construction exams ([DBPR CIB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/const_cib.pdf)). Plumbing is a Division II trade: you pass Business and Finance (120 questions, 6.5 hours, by computer) and Plumbing General Trade Knowledge.
3. **Book the paper exam at least 30 days out** The plumbing trade exam is given in Orlando, usually on a Wednesday in February, April, June, August, October and December. The scheduling deadline is 30 days before the exam date ([DBPR plumbing CIB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/const_p_cib.pdf)).
4. **Sit a full exam day** The morning session (4½ hours) is five isometric drawings; the afternoon (4½ hours) is 110 multiple-choice questions ([DBPR plumbing CIB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/const_p_cib.pdf)).
5. **Apply to the CILB with credit, fingerprints and insurance** CILB applications require electronic fingerprints and a credit report; below a 660 FICO-derived score you need a 14-hour financial responsibility course. The minimum for non-building categories is $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage, plus workers' comp or an exemption ([CILB application](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/pro/cilb/documents/CILB5G_Certified_Contractor_Individual_Class-A-Air.pdf)).
6. **Renew every two years** Complete 14 CE hours, including workplace safety, business practices, workers' comp and laws and rules, before the August 31 even-year deadline ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)).

## How is the Florida plumbing contractor exam scored?

Out of 160 points: 110 multiple-choice questions at 1 point each and 5 isometric drawings at 10 points each. The pass mark is 70%, or 112 points. DBPR points out that the drawings are worth only 31.25% of the total, but you can't pass without earning some isometric points ([DBPR plumbing CIB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/const_p_cib.pdf)). Teams of three licensed plumbing contractors grade each drawing pass or fail on eight criteria: legibility, orientation, flow, angles, piping, labeling, vents and fixtures. Practice drawing full systems by hand, with every vent labeled, until it's routine.

## Starting your own plumbing company in Florida

A certified license lets you bid statewide. The business still needs these pieces before you take the first emergency call.

- **Qualifying a business:** a certified contractor can qualify a company; renewal adds $50 per qualified business ([CILB](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/)).
- **Insurance:** keep the CILB liability minimums and workers' comp in force ([CILB application](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/pro/cilb/documents/CILB5G_Certified_Contractor_Individual_Class-A-Air.pdf)).
- **Taxes:** sales and use tax on fixtures and materials and how your entity files are in [Florida contractor taxes and licensing](https://www.brix.so/taxes/florida).
- **Business setup:** entity, trucks, pricing and first customers are in [how to start a plumbing business](https://www.brix.so/start/plumbing).

BRIX tracks licenses, insurance certificates and permits and flags renewals before they lapse, so the August 31 renewal and 14 CE hours don't slip. It also picks up the slab-leak call you'd miss while under a house, books the job and sends the quote and invoice from one customer record.

- [Compliance and permit tracking](https://www.brix.so/#use-cases): Tracks licenses, safety documents and permits and flags renewals before they lapse.
- [AI receptionist](https://www.brix.so/features/ai-receptionist): Answers every call 24/7, qualifies the caller, books the job and texts back anyone it misses.
- [Quotes and estimates](https://www.brix.so/features/quotes-estimates): Builds accurate quotes on site and follows up on every open estimate.
- [Invoicing and payments](https://www.brix.so/features/invoicing-payments): Turns finished jobs into invoices and politely chases unpaid ones until the money is in your account.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Florida have a state journeyman plumber license?

No. Florida Statutes 489.1455 authorizes counties and municipalities to issue journeyman plumbing licenses. The state sets minimums: a state-approved apprenticeship or 12,000 hours of on-the-job training, plus a proctored exam score of at least 75%.

### How long does it take to become a plumbing contractor in Florida?

Florida requires four years of active experience with at least one year as a foreman. A four-year construction degree plus one year of experience also qualifies. You then pass the Business and Finance exam and the Plumbing General Trade Knowledge exam.

### Where is the Florida plumbing contractor exam given?

The Plumbing General Trade Knowledge exam is a paper-and-pencil exam given in Orlando, normally on a Wednesday in February, April, June, August, October and December. You must schedule at least 30 days before the exam date.

### What is on the Florida plumbing exam?

Five isometric drawings in a 4.5-hour morning session and 110 multiple-choice questions in a 4.5-hour afternoon session. The exam totals 160 points and 70% passes. Three licensed plumbing contractors grade each drawing on eight criteria.

### Can I use my county journeyman plumber license in another Florida county?

Yes. Under Florida Statutes 489.1455, counties and municipalities must recognize a journeyman plumbing license issued by another Florida county or municipality in the same trade.

### How many CE hours do Florida plumbing contractors need?

Fourteen hours per two-year renewal, including one hour each of workplace safety, business practices, workers' compensation, and laws and rules, plus a specialized or advanced module hour. Certified licenses expire August 31 of even years.

## Related

- [Plumbing License Requirements by State: Journeyman, Master and Contractor Rules](https://www.brix.so/licensing/plumbing)
- [How to Get a Plumbing License in Texas: Apprentice to Responsible Master Plumber](https://www.brix.so/licensing/plumbing/texas)
- [How to Get an HVAC License in Florida: Class A, Class B and Mechanical Contractors](https://www.brix.so/licensing/hvac/florida)
- [How to Get an Electrician License in Florida: Certified Contractors, Registered Contractors and Local Journeymen](https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/florida)
- [Florida Contractor Taxes and Licensing: Sales Tax, Licenses and Workers' Comp](https://www.brix.so/taxes/florida)
- [How to Start a Plumbing Business in 2026 (Costs, Licenses and First Customers)](https://www.brix.so/start/plumbing)
- [Plumbing Software That Catches the 2 a.m. Call and Gets You Paid for It](https://www.brix.so/for/plumbing)
- [Plumbing Answering Service That Gets the Water Off and the Plumber Booked](https://www.brix.so/for/plumbing/ai-receptionist)
- [Pipe Size Calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/pipe-size-calculator)
- [Bookkeeping for Plumbers: QuickBooks, Parts Markup and Getting Paid](https://www.brix.so/for/plumbing/bookkeeping)

## Change log

- 2026-10-24: Page published. Contractor experience, exam format and scoring, CE, insurance and local journeyman statute verified against DBPR, Florida Statutes and Palm Beach County.

## Sources

- [Florida DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (plumbing scope, CE, renewal)](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Florida DBPR — Plumbing Candidate Information Booklet](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/const_p_cib.pdf) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Florida DBPR — Construction Candidate Information Booklet (Professional Testing, Business & Finance)](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/const_cib.pdf) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Florida DBPR — CILB application (insurance and credit requirements)](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/pro/cilb/documents/CILB5G_Certified_Contractor_Individual_Class-A-Air.pdf) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Florida Statutes 489.111 — Licensure by examination](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/489.111) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Florida Statutes 489.1455 — Journeyman; reciprocity; standards](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1455.html) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [Palm Beach County — Journeyman Electrician/Plumber application (local example)](https://discover.pbc.gov/pzb/CodeCompliance/Forms/journeyman_app.pdf) (checked 2026-10-24)

Last verified against [Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/) on 2026-10-24.

Talk to BRIX: call or text (518) 588-1122, email eeharris2004@gmail.com, or book a 15-minute call at https://cal.com/ethanharris/15min.

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Written by BRIX Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Canonical: https://www.brix.so/licensing/plumbing/florida