Plumbing Licensing in Surfside, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, constructs, alters, repairs, or maintains plumbing systems in Surfside must hold a valid Florida plumbing license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, plumbing is defined as the installation, maintenance, and repair of all pipes, fixtures, and appliances connected to the water supply or drainage system of a building.

Work that requires licensing includes:
- Water supply line installation and repair
- Drainage and waste system work
- Gas piping for appliances
- Backflow prevention device installation
- Water heater installation and service

How to Get Licensed

Florida plumbing licenses are issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), not by Surfside directly.

Step 1: Meet Experience Requirements
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must document:
- At least 4 years of practical plumbing experience within the 10 years preceding application, OR
- Equivalent education/apprenticeship as defined by the Board

Step 2: Pass the CILB Exam
You must pass the Florida plumbing license examination administered by the CILB. The exam covers Florida statutes, the Florida Building Code, and plumbing practices.

Step 3: Apply with the CILB
Submit your application, proof of experience, and exam results directly to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (referenced in Fla. Stat. § 489.107). The Board issues the license after verification.

Step 4: Register Locally in Surfside
Once licensed by the state, you must comply with Surfside municipal requirements before performing work in town.

Local Requirements

Surfside follows the Surfside Municipal Code for building and trade regulation. Before beginning any plumbing work, contact the Surfside Building Department to:
- Pull required permits
- Obtain inspection schedules
- Verify current local amendments or additional bonding requirements

Review the Surfside Municipal Code for local amendments that may impose additional requirements beyond state law, including permit fees, inspection procedures, and contractor registration.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from plumbing licensing:
- Owners performing work on their own residential property (not for sale or lease)
- Employees of a licensed plumber working under direct supervision
- Work on irrigation systems (may require separate licensing)
- Certain maintenance and repair work on water meters and service lines performed by municipalities or utility companies

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)