Plumbing Licensing in Plantation, Florida

Who Needs a License

Anyone performing plumbing work in Plantation must hold a Florida plumbing license. Florida law defines plumbing as the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes, fixtures, and appliances for water supply, drainage, and gas distribution in buildings and structures.[^1] This includes water heater installation, backflow prevention work, and medical gas piping systems that require certification.[^2]

Solo work on your own residential property may be exempt in limited circumstances, but commercial work and work on others' property requires licensure.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Authority: The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues plumbing licenses under Florida Statutes Chapter 489.[^3]

Step-by-step process:

  1. Meet experience requirements: You must have at least 4 years of practical experience in plumbing work under a licensed plumber or equivalent combination of apprenticeship and on-the-job training.[^4]

  2. Pass the state exam: Submit an application to CILB and pass the Florida plumbing contractor examination. The exam covers technical knowledge of plumbing codes, safety, and industry standards.

  3. Medical gas certification (if applicable): If performing medical gas piping work, you must obtain additional certification per Fla. Stat. § 489.1136.[^2]

  4. Apply for your license: Once approved by CILB, receive your Florida plumbing license.

For specific application procedures, exam schedules, and fees, contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Local Requirements

Permits and approvals: Work in Plantation requires a building permit issued by the Plantation Building Department before any plumbing work begins. The contractor must be licensed with the State of Florida and in good standing.

Local Code: Plantation operates under the Plantation Municipal Code. Refer to the Plantation Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, or additional requirements beyond state law. Contact the Plantation Building Department to confirm current local standards and obtain permits.

Broward County may also have overlapping jurisdiction on certain drainage and water management matters—verify requirements with both the city and county.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, plumbing work performed by property owners on their own residential properties may be exempt from licensure in limited cases, though inspections may still be required. All commercial work, rental properties, and work performed for others requires a licensed contractor. Public utility employees performing work within their job scope may also be exempt.[^1]

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions; Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions

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