Florida Plumbing Contractor License: Requirements, Exams and Fees

The Florida plumbing license is different from every other construction license in one way: its trade exam is still a paper and pencil exam, given on scheduled dates in the Orlando area, and part of it is hand-drawn isometrics scored by licensed plumbers. Business and Finance is computer-based like every other trade. This page covers the scope of the license, who qualifies, and how the two exams work.

What a plumbing contractor may do

F.S. 489.105(3)(m) defines a plumbing contractor as one "whose services are unlimited in the plumbing trade." The statute then lists work a plumbing contractor may do without any additional local license, including:

• sanitary drainage and storm drainage facilities, venting systems
• water and sewer plants and substations, public or private water supply systems
• septic tanks, drainage and supply wells
• swimming pool piping, irrigation systems and solar water heating systems
• boilers and pressure process piping
• water, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas lines and related venting, and storm and sanitary sewer lines

The scope also covers air piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen and nitrous oxide piping and all related medical gas systems; fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers where authorized by law; ink and chemical lines; fuel oil and gasoline piping and tank and pump installation (except bulk storage plants); and pneumatic control piping. It applies on private and public property and includes incidental excavation. Work belonging to another trade must be subcontracted to a contractor licensed in that trade.

Other contractors, including general contractors, must subcontract plumbing unless they hold a plumbing certificate or registration (F.S. 489.113(3)).

Certified vs registered

A certified plumbing contractor may contract in any Florida jurisdiction (F.S. 489.105(8)). A registered plumbing contractor holds a license based on local competency and is limited to that jurisdiction (F.S. 489.105(10)). The state exams lead to certification.

Eligibility

Under F.S. 489.111(2), you must be 18, of good moral character, and meet one of these in plumbing:

One year means at least 2,000 person-hours, gained lawfully under a properly licensed contractor.

Financial responsibility, insurance and background

• Credit report with no unsatisfied judgments or liens; FICO-derived score of 660 or higher, or a Board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course (Rule 61G4-15.006).
• Affidavit of workers' compensation, public liability and property damage insurance (F.S. 489.115(5)). Plumbing minimum: $100,000 liability and $25,000 property damage (Rule 61G4-15.003).
• Fingerprints (F.S. 489.115(9)) and 14 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle (F.S. 489.115(4)(b)).

Exams required

Both exams are open book.

How the plumbing trade exam is scored

Per the plumbing Candidate Information Booklet and ECI:

• Morning session: 45 multiple-choice questions plus 5 isometric drawings.
• Afternoon session: 65 multiple-choice questions.
• Each multiple-choice question is worth 1 point (110 points). Each isometric drawing is worth up to 10 points (50 points). Total: 160.
• You need 112 points. DBPR notes that 111 of 160 is 69.38% and fails.
• Because the multiple choice alone is worth only 110 points, you cannot pass without earning isometric points.

Each drawing is graded by three licensed plumbing contractors on eight criteria: legibility, orientation, flow, angles, piping, labeling, vents and fixtures. At least two of the three graders must agree a criterion is met for its points to count. The plumbing reference list tells candidates to bring a small 30/60-degree triangle for the isometric drawings.

The multiple-choice content outline is weighted:

Medical gas is weighted the same as drainage and water distribution, which surprises many residential plumbers. Our plumbing exam guide goes through each area and the isometric criteria.

Exam dates and deadlines

DBPR says the paper exam is normally given in February, April, June, August, October and December. Your completed application and fees must reach Professional Testing, Inc. (PTI) at least 30 days before the exam date, and PTI accepts date changes for paper exams only at least 15 days before your test date. PTI mails admission slips about 20 to 25 days before the exam. DBPR's construction examinations page lists 2026 dates as two-day spans (April 14 to 15, June 2 to 3, August 11 to 12) in Kissimmee, while the CIB describes a one-day exam, so go by PTI's confirmation for your exact schedule.

Pearson VUE's published exam performance reports cover the computer-based exams only, so there are no comparable attempt counts for the paper plumbing exam.

Reference books (titles only)

The 2026 plumbing reference list allows:

• Chapter 64E-6, F.A.C., Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (bound PDF allowed)
• Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA 29 Part 1926
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
• NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
• NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities (selected chapters and annexes)
• Plumber's Handbook Revised (5th or 6th edition)
• Solar Thermal Manual: Solar Water and Pool Heating Manual (bound PDF allowed)
• Florida Building Code: Mechanical, Accessibility, Plumbing, Residential and Fuel Gas

Fees

PTI's 2026 form describes the plumbing paper registration as a $215 charge ($135 plus $80). Exam fees are non-refundable.

Step by step

1. Confirm 4 years of plumbing experience (or a qualifying combination), including a foreman year.
2. Pick a paper exam date and submit your PTI registration at least 30 days ahead.
3. Schedule Business and Finance separately with Pearson VUE.
4. Prepare bound references and practice isometric drawings by hand under time.
5. Pass both exams within four years of your first scheduled exam.
6. Apply to DBPR with credit, insurance and fingerprint documents.

FAQ

Is the Florida plumbing exam still on paper?

Yes. DBPR's plumbing Candidate Information Booklet says the plumbing trade knowledge exam is the only construction exam given in paper and pencil format. Business and Finance is on computer.

Where is the Florida plumbing exam held?

DBPR's 2026 plumbing date list names Osceola Heritage Park (Exhibition Building) in Kissimmee. The CIB says Orlando and PTI's application says Orlando/Kissimmee. Your admission slip gives the exact site.

Can I pass the plumbing exam without the isometric drawings?

No. The 110 multiple-choice points are below the 112 needed, so you must earn isometric points.

How long does it take to get a plumbing license in Florida?

At least 4 years of experience on the standard path. The paper exam is given only on scheduled dates, with a 30-day application deadline, so plan your exam month in advance.

Can a plumber install gas lines in Florida?

Yes. The plumbing definition includes natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas lines and related venting.

Pass Business and Finance

Plumbing candidates take the same 120-question Business and Finance exam as every other construction trade. Our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep gives you 90 days of original practice questions with explanations. Related: construction lien law, including lien deadlines for plumbing subcontractors.