Plumber in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL
How to Become a Plumber in Florida
To become a Certified Plumbing Contractor in Florida, individuals must obtain a state license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Construction Industry Licensing Board. This requires at least four years of experience, which can be a combination of education and practical work, including time as a foreman. Applicants must pass a two-part state certification exam covering Business and Finance and Trade Knowledge, and submit an application with the applicable fees. While Florida does not offer full reciprocity for plumbing licenses, experienced out-of-state contractors may be eligible for licensure by endorsement.
Plumber Requirements in Florida
| Detail | Florida |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Construction Industry Licensing Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Florida Plumbing Contractor Examination (Business & Finance, Trade Knowledge) ($295) |
| Application Fee | $249 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 14.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED. A background check, including fingerprints, is required. Applicants must also demonstrate financial responsibility (FICO score of 660 or higher, or a contractor's bond). General liability insurance ($100,000) and property damage insurance ($25,000) are mandatory, as is workers' compensation insurance (or an exemption). Experience can be a combination of education and work, with specific breakdowns for college credits and foreman experience. The 'time to complete' refers to the experience requirement. |
Source: Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Construction Industry Licensing Board
License Tiers
Florida offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Certified Plumbing Contractor | 8,000 |
Plumber Salary in Florida
The median plumber salary in Florida is $50,540 per year, which is 19.7% below the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,400 |
| 25th | $45,400 |
| 50th (median) | $50,540 |
| 75th | $61,670 |
| 90th (experienced) | $67,500 |
Florida employs approximately 26,730 plumbers.
Plumber Job Outlook
AI Impact on Plumbers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.12/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Plumber in Florida Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $500 and a median salary of $50,540 in Florida, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Florida's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.