Plumbing Licensing in Bonita Springs, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who engages in plumbing work in Bonita Springs must hold a valid Florida plumbing license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, plumbing is defined as work involving the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes, fixtures, and appliances for water supply, drainage, and gas distribution systems. This includes new construction, alterations, repairs, and replacements of plumbing systems.

Work that modifies, extends, or maintains plumbing systems—whether for residential, commercial, or industrial properties—requires licensure. This applies to both employees and business owners performing plumbing work in Bonita Springs.

How to Get Licensed

Florida plumbing licenses are issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Board operates under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps to licensure:

  1. Determine your license class. Florida offers different plumbing license levels (Certified Plumber, Certified Plumbing Contractor, etc.), each with different experience and education requirements.

  2. Meet qualifications. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate:

  3. Required years of documented work experience in plumbing (typically 4–5 years depending on education level)
  4. High school diploma or equivalent

  5. Compliance with citizenship and residency requirements where applicable

  6. Pass the DBPR examination. The Construction Industry Licensing Board administers a state exam covering Florida plumbing code, safety, and trade practices.

  7. Apply through DBPR. Submit your application, proof of experience, examination results, and fees to the Construction Industry Licensing Board via the DBPR website or in person.

  8. Obtain local Bonita Springs certification. After receiving your state license, apply for local authorization to work in Bonita Springs through the city's Building Department.

Local Requirements

Bonita Springs enforces plumbing standards through its municipal code. Consult the Bonita Springs Municipal Code for local licensing amendments, permit requirements, and fees specific to the city.

Permit requirements: All plumbing work in Bonita Springs requires a permit from the Bonita Springs Building Department before work begins. Contact the Building Department to pull permits, pay local fees, and schedule inspections.

Bonita Springs may impose local licensing requirements or registration separate from state licensure. Check the Municipal Code and confirm current requirements with the Building Department.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following work is exempt from licensing:
- Installation of water softening equipment
- Repair or maintenance of water heaters by the homeowner on their own single-family residence
- Certain plumbing work performed by employees of licensed contractors under supervision

Property owners performing work on their own single-family residence may have limited exemptions; verify current exemptions with the DBPR or Bonita Springs 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)