How to Get A Plumbing License in Florida

Considering the wage structure and the business opportunity in Florida, plumbing is a very profitable industry for anyone to start their own business or career as a plumber. Now, this brings us to the important question– how to become a plumber in Florida? There are certain requirements and steps involved in the process. Let’s dive in to find out.

Before you apply for a license, here are the stipulated Florida Plumbers license requirements:

In Florida, you can be either an apprentice plumber, a journeyman, or a master plumber. You can also work as a plumbing contractor and run your own business. To be an apprentice plumber, however, you do not need any certification. But if you want to have a journeyman or master plumbing license in Florida, here are some general requirements.

• To become a plumber in Florida and obtain a state license, one must be 18 years of age.
  
• They must also have a high school diploma or GED.
  
• In addition to school certification, aspiring plumbers must complete a prescribed training program—either on the job working under the supervision of a licensed contractor or classroom training at a vocational school or college, or a combination of the two. The training program for apprentices in Florida is 5 years/ 1,800 hours.
  
• After completion of the stipulated training, one must also gain verified experience in the plumbing industry.

Once you meet these requirements, you are now eligible to apply for a Florida plumbing contractors license as a journeyman, a master plumber, or a plumbing contractor.
To Become a Journeyman:

• Applicants must pass both a written and practical exam administered by the Florida Board of Master Plumbers. With a passing score on both exams, applicants will then be issued a Florida plumber’s license.
  
• Must pay the license fees, which vary between $65-200 USD.
  
• At least 4 years of experience as a plumber or must have completed the apprentice program. For experience, a letter in the form of W-2s is required to be acquired from a plumbing contractor.

To Become a Master Plumber:

• Must be of age 18 years or older.
  
• Must have paid the license fees, which may vary between $65-200 USD.
  
• Must demonstrate his capabilities in the examination for a master plumber license. One may also be required to pass a business principles test for a license in some counties.
  
• Must have at least 7 years of experience as a plumber, which should include 2 years of work experience as a journeyman. Evidence for the relevant experience must be provided.

To Become a Plumbing Contractor:

• Eligibility criteria must be met for obtaining a contractor license
  
• The applicant must be at least 18 years old
  
• The applicant must have 4 years of experience as a plumber, which should include 1 year of experience as a foreman. Proper proof must be provided regarding the experience.
  
• The applicant is required to pass a criminal background check too.
  
• Proof of financial stability must be provided in the form of bank statements or tax returns. Also, proof of bond must be submitted.
  
• Public liability insurance and property damage insurance are required to be submitted to obtain the license. The insurance requirements include a bodily injury policy of up to 100 thousand dollars and a property damage policy of around 25 thousand dollars. Also, the firm must be capable of providing worker’s compensation insurance for all the employees they would be hiring.