Plumbing Licensing in Marathon, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who engages in plumbing work in Marathon must hold a valid state license. Under Florida law, plumbing is a regulated trade within the construction industry. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines plumbing work and establishes it as a licensable trade. If you install, repair, or maintain plumbing systems—including water supply lines, drainage systems, gas piping, or medical gas systems—you must be licensed unless you qualify for an exemption.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues plumbing licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), not at the local level.

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
You must satisfy one of two pathways under [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]:
- Experience route: Four years of practical experience in plumbing within the five years preceding application, plus passage of the state licensing exam.
- Education route: Completion of an approved plumbing apprenticeship or equivalent classroom hours, combined with practical experience and exam passage.

Step 2: Pass the Licensing Exam
Contact the CILB or visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website to register for the plumbing licensing exam. The exam tests knowledge of the Florida Building Code and plumbing standards.

Step 3: Apply for Your License
Submit your application directly to DBPR/CILB with proof of experience, exam results, and applicable fees. You do not apply through Marathon city government.

Local Requirements

Once licensed, you must comply with Marathon's local permitting process. Plumbing permits in Marathon are issued by the Monroe County Building Department or the Marathon city Building Department, depending on project location and jurisdiction. Contact the Marathon Building Department to confirm which entity handles your specific project and what local permit fees apply.

Review the Marathon Municipal Code for any local amendments to state plumbing standards. Monroe County may also have supplementary requirements.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.103] exempts certain work from licensing:
- Owner-performed work on the owner's own residential property (with limits)
- Work by employees of a licensed contractor under direct supervision
- Work on certain municipal or governmental projects
- Routine maintenance and repair work by property managers in limited circumstances

Check the statute for full exemption language and conditions.

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)