How to Become a Plumber in Florida

So, you live in Florida and want to start a plumbing career.

In that case, you should first understand what the industry is all about.

Florida plumbers need to train and get a license before practicing, so read on to learn more.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

Plumbers set up, maintain, and repair various water systems.

There are several daily job duties you will need to complete.

Some of these include but aren’t limited to:

• Reading or drafting blueprints
• Installing the piping system
• Maintaining the water system
• Repairing the system whenever needed
• Ensuring the safety standards
• Meeting building regulations
• Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder

To become a plumber, you first need to go through a licensing process.

In this state, there are 3 licenses you can get, based on your experience:

• Apprentice license,
• Journeyman license,
• Master plumber license

How to become an Apprentice in Florida

First of all, you will need to become an apprentice.

You can become an apprentice if you enroll in a trade school or vocational college program.

Remember that the program must be approved by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

To be able to enroll in a training program, you have to fulfill the following requirements:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be at least 18 years of age
• A copy of your driver’s license
• Submitting an application form
• A driver’s license copy

The training program for apprentices in Florida is 5 years and 1,800 hours.

During training, you will also get paid, however, your salary will be much lower compared to that of licensed plumbers.

While training, you will be supervised by either or master plumber or journeyman.

Your program will include hours of theory as well as practice.

During the theory part, you will take courses such as:

• Drafting,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Sprinkler installation,
• Pipefitting
• Reading blueprints

How to get a Journeyman Plumber License in Florida

If you complete your training program and become an apprentice, after some time you can apply for a journeyman license.

With a journeyman license, you will be able to install and maintain water systems in homes and office buildings.

You will also not need to work under supervision, but you can supervise other apprentices.

To become a journeyman, you will need experience of 4 years in the field.

You will also need to take 150 hours of education per year.

To get your journeyman license, you first need to pass an exam.

This exam can be taken online or in-person and contains 100 questions.

The questions have multiple answers and require a 70% score to pass.

Generally, the exam can take from 2 and up to 5 hours.

Master and Contractor Plumber

If you want to become a master plumber, you need experience of 7 to 10 years in the field.

In Florida, you can also work as a contractor.

There are different types of contractor licenses, as follows:

• Registered license: you can work within the state
• Certified license: you can only work in certain areas of Florida
• General Contractor: you can perform work on any type of building
• Building Contractor: you cannot perform work on buildings higher than 3 floors
• Residential Contractor: you cannot perform work on buildings higher than 2 floors

These licenses are managed by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

To be able to get one, you have to:

• Be 18 years old
• General liability insurance
• A 660 FICO credit score
• Send in electronic fingerprints
• Taking the Florida State Construction Exam
• Prove you have insurance
• Submit an application
• Pay the application fee and exam fee

The plumbing licenses have to be renewed once in 2 years.

Plumber Employment and Salary Information

If you want to get a higher salary, you should consider becoming a member of a union.

A union offers a 20% higher salary compared to the norm, as well as job protection.

The salaries for plumbers in Florida vary depending on how much experience you have.

How much you make will also be impacted by where you live.

If you live in a larger city like Miami or Orlando, you will receive a better salary.

Additional Information

As a future plumber, you may be asked to take a background check.

Even if you have a criminal record, it doesn’t mean you cannot get licensed as a plumber.

Keep in mind that plumbing jobs can be unsafe at times, so getting insured is important.

If you have a plumbing license in another state, you will have to apply for licensure again in Florida.

If you need more career resources, you can check out the page of the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

After you get your first license, you will be able to easily find a job in the industry.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Florida

Plumbing License by State