Florida Plumbing Contractor License

Florida Plumbing contractors can legally engage in contracts which involve working on:

  • Sanitary drainage facilities
  • Storm drainage
  • Water and sewer plants and substations
  • Venting systems
  • Public or private water supply systems
  • Septic tanks
  • Drainage and supply wells
  • Swimming pool piping
  • Irrigation systems
  • Solar heating water systems
  • Boilers and pressure process piping
  • Water, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and related venting
  • Storm and sanitary sewer lines
  • Drain cleaning and clearing
  • Install or repair rainwater catchment systems
  • Air-piping
  • Vacuum line piping
  • Oxygen line piping
  • Nitrous oxide piping
  • Medical gas systems
  • Fire line standpipes and fire sprinklers
  • Ink and chemical lines
  • Fuel oil
  • Gasoline piping
  • Tank and pump installation
  • Bulk storage plants
  • Pneumatic control piping systems
  • Incidental excavation

The scope of work of the plumbing contractor applies to private property and public property.

How to Get a Plumbing Contractor's License in Florida

  1. Be 18 years of age.
  2. Pass all parts of the exam(s) (within four years of the first attempt).
    If an applicant has a Bachelor's degree in building construction or a related field, as well as a 3.0 GPA or higher, the applicant is only required to take the business exam.
  3. Pay the fee for the Application.
  4. Complete the application form using the Online Services, or the Printable Application.
  5. Be of good moral character.
  6. Obtain worker's compensation and general liability coverage.
  7. Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a Credit Report:
    • 660 FICO credit score or higher (applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit if below 660 - FICO derived).
    • If FICO score is less than 660, the applicant must take a 14-hour financial responsibility course.
    • If applicable, provide proof of satisfaction of liens, judgments, and bankruptcy discharge.
  8. Background check with Electronic Fingerprints.
  9. Obtain public liability and property damage insurance.
    • Obtain workers' compensation or exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.
  10. Satisfy one of the experience requirements set forth by the CILB:
    • A combination of Experience and Education
      • One year proved experience that applies to the category for which you are applying and a four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to 3 yrs. experience), or
      • No less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses, and One year of experience as a foreman, or
      • Two years of credits from accredited college-level courses, one year experience as a foreman, and One year experience as a worker, or
      • One year of experience as a foreman, one year of credits from accredited college-level courses, and two years of experience as a worker, or
      • Four years of experience as a foreman or worker of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
      • The board expects the applicant to have experience in the following areas of the Plumbing trade:
        • Installation, Maintenance and Repair of:
          • Drainage Venting
          • Sanitary Drainage
          • Water Distribution Lines/Systems
          • Waste Piping
          • Natural Gas and Liquid Petroleum Piping and Venting Systems
        • Further Maintenance and Repair of:
          • Industrial Water Drainage
          • Medical Gas Piping
            • Oxygen
            • Helium
            • Nitrous Oxide
            • Compressed Air
            • Vacuum
          • Industrial Piping
            • Oil and Gasoline Storage and Distribution
            • Industrial Gas Piping
            • Industrial Vacuum Piping
            • Steam Distribution
            • Sewage Disposal Systems
              • Septic Tanks
              • Pumps
              • Lift Stations
              • Interceptors
          • Water Wells
          • Solar Water Heating Systems
          • Swimming Pool Piping Systems
    • Military Service
      Note: As part of the application applicant must submit the Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification for licensure
      • One year of experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and three years of military service.
      • One year of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, one year of experience as a foreman, and two years of military service.
      • Two years of experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying, and one year of military service.
  11. Pass the Plumbing and Business & Finance exams.(sign up for the exams)
  12. Submit the complete Plumbing application form to:
    Department of Business and Professional Regulation
    2601 Blair Stone Road
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Florida Plumbing Contractor Installing Drain Pipe on New Residential Construction
Licensed Plumber Installs Plumbing System in Florida Home

Florida Plumbing Contractor Exams

Florida Plumbing Contractors must pass two exams prior to obtaining their license. Do not sign up to take your exams until you obtain your books and begin studying for them!

Florida Plumbing Contractor License Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based testing
  • Testing Company: PTI©
  • Number of Questions: 110
  • Number of Isometric Drawings: 5
  • Types of Questions: Multiple Choice & Drawing
  • Time Allowed: 270 Minutes
  • Minimum Passing Score: 70%
    112 out of 160 points are needed to pass.
    Each isometric drawing is worth a maximum of 10 points.
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Multimple Choice Questions
      • Drainage (20%)
        • Roof and Storm Drainage Systems
          • Load calculations
          • Accumulated roof areas
          • Area/pipe calculations
          • Flashing
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Sanitary Drainage Systems
          • General plumbing skills
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Waste Piping Systems
          • General plumbing skills
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Venting Systems (DMV)
          • General plumbing skills
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Chemical Waste Drainage Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
          • Different types of pipes
          • Treating of chemical waste
          • Dilution tanks
        • Industrial Water Drainage Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
          • Proper treating of industrial waste
      • Water Distribution (20%)
        • Hot Water Distribution Systems
          • General plumbing skills
          • Thermal expansions
          • Circulating systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Equipment and materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Water Distribution Systems
          • General plumbing skills
          • System sizing and designing
          • Equipment and materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Water Transmission Lines (Water Mains)
          • General plumbing skills
          • System sizing and designing
          • Equipment and materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
          • Excavation and heavy equipment operation
          • Safety/shoring
        • Installation of Backflow Preventions for Water Services
          • Installation procedures
      • Natural Gas Piping (15%)
        • Natural Gas Piping
          • General plumbing skills
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Natural Gas Piping Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
          • Combustion air requirements
      • Medical Gas Piping (20%)
        • Medical Gasses Piping Systems (Oxygen, Helium, Nitrous Oxide, Compressed Air)
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
          • Silver soldering, braising, and purging with nitrogen gas
        • Medical Gasses Vacuum Piping Systems
          • General plumbing skills
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
      • Industrial Piping (10%)
        • Compressed Industrial Gas Piping Systems
          • General plumbing skills
          • System designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Industrial Vacuum Piping Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Sewage Disposal Systems (Septic Tanks, Pumps, Lift Stations, and Interceptors)
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Process Piping Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Oil and Gasoline Storage and Distribution Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Steam Distribution Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Term definitions
      • Swimming Pools, Wells, and Irrigation (5%)
        • Swimming Pool Piping Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
        • Water Wells and Irrigation Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
      • Solar (5%)
        • Solar Water Heating Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
      • Fire Protection (5%)
        • Fire Protection Systems
          • System sizing and designing
          • Materials
          • Code requirements
          • Terms and definitions
    • Isometric Drawings
      • Legibility: Drawing is clear and readable. Drawing is sufficient in size. Lines and labels are distinguishable (8 points)
      • Orientation: All fixtures are shown in the correct location relative to each other (20 points)
      • Flow: Direction of flow is shown when going from vertical to horizontal. The direction of flow must be indicated even if the direction is implied for all waste lines and all fixture connections. Direction of flow is not required for vent lines. (12 points)
      • Angles: Isometric drawing uses 30-60-90 degree angles. All angles used on the drawing are displayed at the appropriate orientation. (8 points)
      • Piping: All pipes, fittings, traps, clean-outs, and similar portions of the piping structure are included on the drawing. All piping is shown exactly as on the drawing (regardless of specific code requirements). The piping must display the correct elevation in reference to the floor plan (20 points)
      • Labeling: All fixtures are labeled according to the legend provided in the examination instructions (4 points)
      • Vents: All vents are properly indicated (16 points)
      • Fixtures: All fixtures shown on the floor plan are appropriately indicated on the isometric drawing (12 points)
  • Special notes on the isometric drawings:
    • P-Traps must be shown in all locations where the trap is not an integral part of the fixture (floor drains, sinks, drinking fountains, mop sinks, tubs, etc.).
    • Even though urinals and water closets have p-traps as integral parts, do explicitely show them, unless the drawing specifies that they are incorporated as part of the fixtures.
    • When in doubt, draw it.
    • Drawings are independently evaluated by three separate graders. Two or more need to be in agreement for points to be awarded on a specific criteria.
    • Remember that graders are plumbers; if you are confused on how to draw something, draw what would be best understood by a fellow plumber (just like you would on the field).
    • The awarded points for all criteria will be summed and converted to a 10 point scale to determine the score for each drawing.
  • Official list of subjects for the Plumbing contractor exam

Florida Plumbing Business and Finance Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based testing
  • Testing Company: Pearson Vue©
  • Number of Questions: 120
  • Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
  • Time Allowed: 390 Minutes
  • Minimum Passing Score: 70%
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Establishing the Contracting Business (11%)
      • Determining the Business Organizational Structure
        • Business structure laws and regulations
        • Fiduciary responsibilities of officers and directors
        • Open vs. closed corporations
        • Organizational charts and chain of responsibilities
        • State and local licensure requirements
        • Tax advantages and/or liabilities for various business structures
      • Develop the Business Plan
        • Accounting practices
        • Local marketplace
        • Scope of contractor license
      • Establish Relationships with Other Professionals
        • Accountant specialization
        • Attorney specialization
        • Insurance types and limitations
        • Underwriting requirements for bonding
      • Acquire Fixed Assets
        • Advantages/disadvantages of business location
        • Advantages/disadvantages of lease vs. purchase
      • Obtain Insurance
        • knowledge of accounting practices
        • Advantages/disadvantages of various types of insurance
        • Coverages and limitations of insurance
    • Managing Administrative Duties (26%)
      • Develop the Business
        • Availability of staffing for business operation
        • Income sources
        • Markets and market share.
      • Determine Outsourced Services
      • Determine Business Overhead
        • FICA
        • Advertising costs (business cards, dues, printing, etc.)
        • Communication costs (cell phones, land lines, etc.)
        • Cost of sales (travel expenses)
        • Federal unemployment (FUTA)
        • General liability rates
        • Lease expenses
        • Loan financing expenses (interest, etc.)
        • Medicare rates
        • Rent costs
        • State unemployment (SUTA)
        • Utility costs
        • Worker’s compensation
      • Preparing Bids/Proposals
        • Accounting principles
        • AIA documents
        • Business projections/goals current status
        • Company overhead
        • Contract documents
        • Contract law
        • Cost of financing projects
        • Costs associated with growth
        • General conditions costs of projects
        • How to review contracts
        • How to write offer
        • Insurances associated with labor rates
        • Labor productivity
        • Statute of frauds
        • Taxes associated with labor rates
        • Components of valid contract
      • Purchase Materials/Supplies
        • Depreciative costs
        • Fundamentals of Uniform Commercial Code
        • Inventory system operation (FIFO, etc.)
        • Invoice approval systems
        • Negotiating skills
        • Purchasing systems
        • Receiving systems
        • State sales tax laws
        • Statute of frauds
        • Vendors in area
      • Prepare Invoices/Draw Requests
        • Basic math skills
        • Calculation of percentage of work completed
        • Contract/subcontract documents
        • How to prepare invoices/draw requests
        • Lien laws
      • Develop a Safety Program
        • Drug testing regulations
        • MSDS sheets
        • OSHA regulations
      • Maintain Insurance
        • General terms and definitions used in policies
        • Insurance policies
        • Limits of insurance
        • Various types of insurance
        • Various types of risk
      • Managing Contracts
        • Contract law
        • Contract scope
        • Job completion schedules
        • Lien laws
        • Mediation and arbitration processes
        • Local building code requirements
        • Tort law
        • Risk management
    • Managing Trade Operations (10%)
      • Schedule Trade Operations
        • Critical path method (CPM)
        • Delivery times
        • Manufacturing times
        • Requests for information (RFI)
        • Sequencing trades
        • Submittals/approval/fabrication process
      • Maintain OSHA/Safety Records
        • Document/record retainage requirements
        • Penalties for non-compliance with OSHA
      • Purchase/Order Materials & Supplies
        • Accounting skills
        • Basic math skills
        • Job schedules
        • Negotiation skills
        • Organizational skills
        • Plan reading skills
        • Quality control
        • Quantity take-offs
        • Terms and abbreviations on invoices
        • Types of building materials
      • Leasing/Purchasing Equipment
        • Cost of operation of equipment
        • Depreciation
        • Equipment operation
        • Forecasted use of purchased equipment
        • Interest costs for financing
        • Maintenance
        • Salvage resale values
        • Support equipment required for equipment
        • Tax credits associated with purchases
        • Training needs for equipment
        • Transportation costs for equipment
      • Manage Material/Tool/Equipment Inventory
        • Equipment maintenance procedures
        • Inventory methods
    • Conducting Accounting Functions (32%)
      • Manage Accounts Receivable
        • Accounting principles
        • Basic math skills
        • Computer skills
        • Lien laws
      • Manage Accounts Payable
        • Accounting principles
        • Basic math skills
        • Computer skills
        • How to calculate discounts
        • Lien laws
      • Manage Cash Flow
        • Accounting
        • Banking
        • Basic math skills
        • Financial ratios
      • File Tax Forms & Returns
        • Accounting principles
        • Basic math
        • Federal tax laws
        • Property tax laws
        • Record keeping requirements
        • Sales tax laws
        • State tax laws
      • Track Job Costs
        • Accounting principles
        • Basic math
      • Calculate Employee Payroll
        • Accounting
        • State & federal tax laws
        • Basic math
        • Employment laws
        • Employment/labor laws
        • Hierarchy of garnishments
    • Managing Human Resources (6%)
      • Hire New Employees
        • Employment laws
        • Discrimination laws
        • Interviewing skills
        • Required forms for new hires
        • Background checks
      • Develop Human Resource Policies & Procedures
        • Employment/labor laws
        • OSHA
        • Chain of custody (drug tests)
        • Insurance regulations
      • Evaluate Employees
        • Employment/labor laws
    • Complying with Government Regulation (15%)
      • Comply with Federal Laws & Regulations
        • FEMA (immigration components)
        • OSHA
        • Tax laws
        • National Pollution Discharge
        • Elimination System (NPDES)
        • Environmental laws
      • Comply with State Laws& Regulations
        • Chapter 455 F.S.(Business & Professional Regulation)
        • Chapter 713 F.S. (Liens)
        • 61G4 F.A.C.
        • Worker’s Compensation
        • Laws/DOR Sales/Use Tax
        • Chapter 489, Part 1 F.S (Construction Contracting)
        • Required continuing education
        • CEU credit records
        • License holder responsibilities
  • Official list of subjects for the Business and Finance exam

Florida Plumbing Contractor Classes

Before you sign up for any Plumbing courses out there, make sure they offer training on isometrics. Make sure you can practice isometric drawings and get feedback on those drawings from a licensed plumbing contractor in the State of Florida. Some Florida test-takers have experienced difficulty working with instructors from other schools who are not licensed in Florida and are not familiar with Florida Plumbing code requirements. Make sure the instructor reviewing your isometric drawings is a currently-licensed Plumbing contractor in Florida (license number must be listed under www.myfloridalicense.com). Although being a licensed Plumbing contractor in the State of Florida is not a requirement to teach isometrics, it is to your advantage as Florida test-taker to work with an instructor who has taken and passed the same exam you are preparing for. You can sign up for your classes at any time and receive access to lecture videos, practice questions, tabbing and highlighting instructions, as well as to step-by-step explanations on how to solve typical Plumbing Contractor Exam Problems. The Plumbing Contractor Classes prepare you for the trade and business exams. Florida Plumbing Contractor Testing Schedule). You must pass all exams before applying for the Plumbing Contractor’s License in Florida. To sign up for the Florida Plumbing Contractor Classes, simply click on the "enroll" button below and checkout; this will allow you to receive immediate access to the online Florida Plumbing Contractor Classes. All students have access for an unlimited amount of time (until passing all the Florida Plumbing Contractor Exams needed to get the Plumbing license!). you can also attend live online classes as needed. All live refresher online classes are on Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (ET). For a list of upcoming classes for the Florida Plumbing Contractor Exams click on the link within the course description below.

Florida Plumbing Contractor Books

The set of books includes all required references for both the Plumbing and Business and Finance exams. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.

FLORIDA PLUMBING - SET DE LIBROS SIN TABS INCLUYE TODOS LOS LIBROS PARA EXAMEN TECNICO Y ADMINISTRATIVO

Sales price: $1,663.39

 

FLORIDA PLUMBING - SET DE LIBROS CON TABS INCLUYE TODOS LOS LIBROS PARA EXAMEN TECNICO Y ADMINISTRATIVO

Sales price: $1,763.39

 

List of Books for the Plumbing Contractor Trade Exams

List of Books for the Business and Finance Exam