Plumbing Licensing in Tavares, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, constructs, repairs, or maintains plumbing systems in Tavares must hold a valid Florida plumbing license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "plumbing" includes the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes, fixtures, and appliances for water supply, waste removal, and drainage systems.

Work requiring licensure includes:
- Water supply line installation and repair
- Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system installation
- Fixture installation and replacement
- Backflow prevention device installation
- Medical gas piping (subject to additional certification under Fla. Stat. § 489.1136)

How to Get Licensed

Florida plumbing licenses are issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under authority of Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps to obtain licensure:

  1. Determine your license classification. The state issues licenses for Certified Plumber, Certified Plumbing Contractor, and Apprentice Plumber categories.

  2. Meet qualifications. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate the required hours of documented experience in plumbing work. Minimum experience varies by license type and typically ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 hours for contractor licenses.

  3. Pass the state examination. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board for your exam. The exam tests knowledge of Florida plumbing code, safety, and industry standards.

  4. Apply for your license. Submit your application, exam results, proof of experience, and fees to the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

  5. Maintain your license. Comply with continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines set by state law.

For detailed application procedures and current exam schedules, contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly.

Local Requirements

Tavares enforces local building and plumbing codes through its Building Department. All plumbing work in Tavares requires a local permit before installation begins.

To obtain a local permit:

  1. Contact the Tavares Building Department
  2. Submit plans and specifications for the plumbing work
  3. Pay applicable permit fees
  4. Obtain inspection sign-offs at required stages

Refer to the Tavares Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, inspection requirements, and any additional standards that may exceed state minimums. Local codes may impose stricter requirements on materials, installation methods, or safety standards.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure, including:
- Minor repairs and maintenance of existing plumbing systems (as narrowly defined by statute)
- Installation of certain appliances and fixtures when performed by the manufacturer
- Work performed by a homeowner on his or her own residential property (with significant limitations)

These exemptions are narrow. When in doubt, obtain a license or consult the Building Department.

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

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