Can a Handyman Do Plumbing Work in Florida?

You’ve got a leaky faucet, a clogged sink, or maybe a running toilet—and you’re wondering: Can a handyman do plumbing work in Florida? It’s a common question for homeowners trying to save time and money. But Florida has strict rules about who can legally perform plumbing tasks. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what handymen can (and can’t) do, so you stay compliant—and avoid costly fines or unsafe repairs.

What Does Florida Law Say About Handymen Doing Plumbing?

In Florida, handymen are not licensed plumbers, and state law draws a clear line between minor repairs and regulated plumbing work. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), only licensed plumbers can perform work that involves:

• Installing or altering water supply or drainage systems
• Connecting fixtures to main plumbing lines
• Working on gas piping systems
• Installing water heaters

However, handymen can legally handle small, non-structural plumbing tasks, such as:

• Replacing washers or cartridges in faucets
• Unclogging drains with basic tools (like a plunger or hand auger)
• Installing or replacing showerheads, toilets (if no new piping is involved), or sink aerators

⚠️ Important: If the job requires cutting into walls, rerouting pipes, or connecting to the main water line—a licensed plumber is required by law.

For more context on occupational licensing in the U.S., see Wikipedia’s overview of trades licensing .

“People Also Ask” – Common Questions Answered

Can a handyman install a toilet in Florida?

Yes—but with caveats. A handyman may replace an existing toilet if it connects to the same flange and doesn’t require new piping or venting. However, if the installation involves modifying the waste line, adjusting the floor flange, or dealing with leaks in the subfloor, a licensed plumber must be hired.

Is it illegal for a handyman to fix a leaky pipe?

It depends on the pipe’s location and severity.

• ✅ Allowed: Tightening a loose connection under a sink or replacing a visible P-trap.
• ❌ Not allowed: Repairing a pipe inside a wall, ceiling, or underground—these require permits and licensed professionals.

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Florida?

Yes, for most plumbing projects beyond basic fixture replacement. The Florida Building Code (Chapter 468) mandates permits for:

• New plumbing installations
• Relocating fixtures
• Water heater replacements
• Any work affecting the potable water system

Handymen cannot pull permits—only licensed contractors can.

Handyman vs Licensed Plumber: Key Differences

While handymen offer affordability, hiring an unlicensed person for regulated plumbing can void your home insurance if damage occurs.

Real Consequences: A Case Study from Miami

In 2023, a Miami homeowner hired a handyman to “fix a slow drain.” The handyman attempted to snake a main sewer line but punctured a cast-iron pipe behind the wall. Without proper shutoff valves or pressure testing, the leak went unnoticed for days—causing $28,000 in water damage. The insurance company denied the claim because the work was done by an unlicensed individual performing regulated plumbing.

This isn’t rare. The DBPR reports over 1,200 complaints annually related to unlicensed plumbing activity in Florida.

When to Hire a Handyman vs. a Plumber: Decision Checklist

Use this quick guide before making a call:

✅ Call a handyman if:

• The issue is cosmetic or surface-level
• No pipes need cutting, soldering, or rerouting
• You’re replacing a like-for-like fixture (e.g., same-model faucet)
• The job takes under 1 hour and costs under $200

✅ Call a licensed plumber if:

• You smell gas near appliances
• There’s low water pressure in multiple fixtures
• You need a water heater installed or repaired
• Permits are required (check with your local building department)

💡 Pro Tip: Always ask for the contractor’s license number and verify it at MyFloridaLicense.com .

Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Plumbing Professional in Florida

1. Ask for their license number (plumbers have a “CFC” or “CV” prefix).
2. Go to the DBPR License Verification Portal .
3. Enter the name or license number.
4. Confirm the license is active and in good standing.
5. Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints.

If they refuse to provide a license—or say “I don’t need one”—walk away.

FAQ Section

Q: Can a handyman replace a water heater in Florida?

A: No. Water heater installation always requires a licensed plumber in Florida. This includes electric, gas, and tankless models. Permits and inspections are mandatory due to safety risks (gas leaks, scalding, pressure failures).

Q: Are there any counties in Florida where handymen can do more plumbing?

A: No. Plumbing regulations are statewide under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. While some rural counties may enforce rules less strictly, the law itself does not vary by location.

Q: What’s the penalty for hiring an unlicensed person for plumbing?

A: Homeowners aren’t typically fined, but they bear full financial risk if something goes wrong. Contractors caught doing unlicensed plumbing face fines up to $5,000, license suspension, or even jail time for repeat offenses.

Q: Can a handyman unclog a main sewer line?

A: Generally, no. Main line clogs often require motorized augers, camera inspections, or excavation—all considered regulated plumbing work. A handyman using a basic hand snake on a sink drain is fine; touching the main line is not.

Q: Do I need a license to do plumbing on my own home in Florida?

A: Yes—if you’re selling the home within 1 year. Owner-builders can do their own plumbing only if they occupy the home for at least 12 months post-construction and still must follow code and obtain permits.

Q: How much does a licensed plumber cost in Florida?

A: Average rates range from $90 to $200/hour, with emergency calls costing more. Simple jobs (faucet repair) start around $125; full repiping can exceed $10,000.

Conclusion

So, can a handyman do plumbing work in Florida? The short answer: Only for minor, non-regulated tasks. For anything involving pipes behind walls, gas lines, water heaters, or system modifications, Florida law requires a licensed plumber.

Choosing the right professional protects your home, your wallet, and your family’s safety. Don’t gamble with unlicensed work—verify credentials, understand the scope, and when in doubt, call a pro.

👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend or neighbor in Florida who’s planning a home repair! Your share could save them thousands in hidden costs or legal trouble.