Plumbing Licensing in Alachua city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who engages in plumbing work in Alachua city must hold a valid Florida plumbing license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, plumbing is defined as work involving the installation, maintenance, or repair of pipes, fixtures, and appliances for the supply and distribution of water, removal of waterborne wastes, and venting of plumbing fixtures. A license is required whether you work as a sole proprietor, employee, or contractor.

How to Get Licensed

Florida plumbing licenses are issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under authority of Fla. Stat. § 489.107. There are three license classifications: Journeyman Plumber, Specialty Plumber (medical gas), and Plumbing Contractor.

General pathway:

1. Meet experience requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.113: typically 4 years of documented plumbing work experience (requirements vary by license class).

2. Apply to CILB through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Submit proof of experience, identification, and application fees.

3. Pass the state exam administered by CILB. The exam covers Florida Building Code, plumbing code, and trade-specific knowledge.

4. Receive your license valid statewide, including in Alachua city.

For Medical Gas Plumber specialty certification, Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 sets additional requirements including specific training and examination.

Do not attempt to perform plumbing work before receiving your license. Unlicensed practice is a violation of state law.

Local Requirements

Plumbing work in Alachua city requires a local permit before beginning work. Contact the Alachua city Building Department to obtain and apply for plumbing permits.

Work in Alachua city must comply with both Florida state plumbing code and local amendments in the Alachua County Municipal Code. Review the Alachua County Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit fee schedules, and inspection procedures that apply to plumbing work in the city.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts the following from licensing requirements:

• A property owner performing plumbing work on property he or she owns, provided the work is not for resale.
• Employees of a licensed plumber working under direct supervision of that licensed plumber.
• Work performed by utilities and municipal water/sewer departments.
• Certain maintenance and repair work as defined in the statute.

These exemptions do not eliminate the permit requirement at the local level. Verify with the Alachua city Building Department whether your specific work qualifies for exemption.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification
• Alachua County Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)