Plumbing Licensing in Highland Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who engages in the trade of plumbing in Highland Beach must hold a valid state license. Under Florida law, plumbing is defined as work involving the installation, repair, maintenance, or alteration of pipes, fixtures, and appurtenances connected to a water supply, drainage system, or gas system in a building or structure.[^1] This includes work on water heaters, backflow preventers, and gas piping systems serving appliances.

If you perform plumbing work for compensation—whether as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation—you require licensure before beginning work in Highland Beach.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Meet Qualifications. You must satisfy experience requirements set by Florida Statutes § 489.113. The specific experience hours and training pathway depend on whether you are applying as a journeyman plumber or contractor-level plumber.

2. Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Florida Statutes § 489.107, issues all plumbing licenses in Florida. Submit your application directly to this state board, not to Highland Beach or Palm Beach County.

3. Pass the State Exam. You must pass the Florida plumbing licensing examination. This test covers the Florida Building Code, plumbing code, and trade practices.

4. Obtain Your License. Once you pass the exam and meet all qualifications under § 489.113, the state board will issue your plumbing license.

Refer to Florida Statutes § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions for exact experience requirements, apprenticeship rules, and any restrictions on your license type.

Local Requirements

Once you hold a valid state plumbing license, you must obtain permits from the Highland Beach Building Department before commencing work within town limits. Contact the Highland Beach Building Department for specific permit application procedures and fees.

Check the Highland Beach Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or additional restrictions that may apply to plumbing work in town.

Exemptions

Certain work is exempt from licensing. Under Florida Statutes § 489.103, exemptions include:

• Work performed by a property owner on their own residential property (with limitations)
• Routine maintenance and repairs by the building owner or tenant
• Work performed in compliance with specific statutory exclusions

Review Florida Statutes § 489.103 — Exemptions for the complete list and conditions of exemptions. Exemptions are narrow; most plumbing work for hire requires a license.

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. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Highland Beach Municipal Code

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions

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