Plumbing Licensing in Miami, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person performing plumbing work in Miami must hold a valid Florida plumbing license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, plumbing is defined as the installation, repair, maintenance, and alteration of pipes, fixtures, and appliances used for water supply, drainage, and gas systems in buildings and structures. Work involving water heaters, backflow prevention devices, and medical gas piping systems also requires licensure.

A license is required whether you work as a sole proprietor, employee, or contractor. Unlicensed plumbing work is prohibited and subject to penalties.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Application: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The board administers all construction trade licensing in Florida.

2. Qualifications: Meet the requirements in Fla. Stat. § 489.113. Applicants must demonstrate:

3. Practical experience (apprenticeship hours) in plumbing work
4. Passing score on the state plumbing examination

5. Good moral character and financial responsibility

6. Examination: Pass the Florida plumbing contractor or plumber examination administered by the CILB. The exam covers Florida Building Code requirements and plumbing standards.

7. Medical Gas Certification (if applicable): If performing medical gas piping installation, you must obtain medical gas certification under Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 in addition to your plumbing license.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application fees, exam schedules, and specific experience hour requirements.

Local Requirements

Plumbing work in Miami is governed by:

• Miami Municipal Code – Review the current code at https://library.municode.com/fl/south_miami for any local amendments, permit requirements, and inspection procedures beyond state law.

• Permits: Before beginning plumbing work in Miami, obtain a permit from the City of Miami Building Department. A valid Florida plumbing license is required to pull permits. Contact the Miami Building Department for permit application procedures, fees, and required documentation.

• Inspections: All permitted plumbing work must pass City of Miami building inspections before use.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Homeowners performing plumbing work on their own residential property (single-family only)
• Federal, state, and local government employees performing plumbing work in their official capacity
• Employees working under the direct supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor
• Minor repairs and maintenance by building maintenance personnel (as defined in statute)

Exemptions do not apply to work performed for compensation or on property you do not own.

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
• Miami Municipal Code

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