Complete guide to plumbing contractor requirements in Florida. Four years of experience (at least one as a foreman) or an approved combination of education and experience. Two CILB exams (Business & Finance + Trade). Fingerprint-based background check required.
Insurance minimum: $100,000 public liability / $25,000 property damage; FICO >= 660 or financial responsibility course.
Last verified: 2026-04-18.
Four years of experience (at least one as a foreman) or an approved combination of education and experience. Two CILB exams (Business & Finance + Trade). Fingerprint-based background check required. Issued by: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). A licensing exam is required. Minimum 4 years of experience required.
Visit official licensing websiteLicense Type
Plumbing Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
Register your LLC or corporation with the Florida Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
Florida requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 4 years.
Florida requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
Check if Florida or your local jurisdiction requires a surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
File your application with Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for Florida sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
Minimum: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (varies by jurisdiction)
Required in most states when you have 1+ employees
$5,000 - $25,000 bond required in some states and cities
Our AI compliance assistant creates a personalized checklist for your specific situation in Florida.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Florida's official licensing board and consult a local attorney for legal questions. Last updated: April 2026.