Hiring the wrong plumber can cost you time, money—and even your home’s safety. In Florida, only licensed professionals are legally allowed to perform plumbing work, yet unlicensed contractors still operate under the radar. If you’re wonderinghow to check if a plumber is licensed in Florida, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners search this every year to avoid fines, shoddy work, or worse. The good news? Verifying a plumber’s license is quick, free, and entirely online. Let’s walk through exactly how to do it—step by step—with confidence.
Why Does a Plumbing License Matter in Florida?
Florida law requires all plumbers performing residential or commercial work to hold an active license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s a critical consumer protection.
According to the DBPR, in 2024 alone, over 1,200 complaints were filed against unlicensed plumbing contractors statewide. Many involved botched installations, water damage, or outright fraud. A valid license ensures the plumber:
Passed rigorous exams on plumbing codes and safety
Carries liability insurance
Is subject to state oversight and disciplinary action if they violate standards
“Hiring an unlicensed plumber is like letting someone perform surgery without a medical degree,” says Maria Lopez, a licensed plumbing inspector in Miami-Dade County. “You might save $100 upfront—but risk thousands in repairs later.”
How to Check If a Plumber Is Licensed in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide
Verifying a plumber’s license takes less than 2 minutes. Here’s exactly how to do it using Florida’s official system:
Step 1: Get the Plumber’s Full Name or License Number
Ask your plumber for their full legal name or Florida license number. Reputable contractors will provide this willingly—often on business cards, trucks, or invoices.
Step 2: Visit the Official DBPR License Verification Portal
Enter either the license number (e.g., CFC1234567) or the contractor’s name
Click “Search”
Step 4: Review the Results
Look for these key details in the results:
Status: Must say “Active” (not “Inactive,” “Delinquent,” or “Revoked”)
License Type: Should be “Certified Plumbing Contractor” (CFC) or “Registered Plumbing Contractor” (RFC)
Expiration Date: Ensure it hasn’t passed
Disciplinary Actions: Check the “Complaints” tab for violations
⚠️ Red Flag: If the license shows “Unlicensed Activity” or multiple complaints, walk away immediately.
What’s the Difference Between CFC and RFC Licenses?
Not all plumbing licenses in Florida are equal. Understanding the types helps you hire the right pro for your job:
License Type
Scope of Work
Jurisdiction
Requirements
CFC (Certified Plumbing Contractor)
Can work anywhere in Florida
Statewide
4+ years experience, passed state exam, carries insurance
RFC (Registered Plumbing Contractor)
Limited to specific city/county
Local only
Registered with local authority, may not have passed state exam
For most homeowners, especially those in unincorporated areas or dealing with complex systems (like septic or gas lines), a CFC license is strongly recommended.
Common Signs of an Unlicensed Plumber (And How to Avoid Them)
Even if you haven’t verified a license yet, watch for these warning signs:
Cash-only payments or refusal to provide a written contract
No business address or vague contact info
Pressure to pay upfront (more than 10% is risky in Florida)
Vehicle lacks company branding or license numbers
Avoids questions about licensing or says “I don’t need one”
The Florida Attorney General’s Office reports that nearly 60% of unlicensed contractor scams begin with door-to-door solicitations after storms or during home renovation seasons.
Real-Life Example: What Happened When Sarah Skipped Verification
In 2023, Sarah T. from Orlando hired a “plumber” who showed up after a Facebook ad. He fixed her leak for $150 cash—but two weeks later, her walls started molding. An inspection revealed he’d used improper PVC fittings banned by Florida code.
When she tried to file a complaint, the DBPR confirmed: he had no license. Because he was unlicensed, Sarah couldn’t recover damages through the state’s Recovery Fund—which only covers losses from licensed contractors.
Her repair bill? Over $4,200.
“I thought I was being smart by saving money,” Sarah said. “Now I know: verifying a license is the cheapest part of hiring a plumber.”
How to Report an Unlicensed Plumber in Florida
If you suspect someone is operating without a license:
Do not pay them
Take photos of their vehicle, business card, or work site
The DBPR investigates all reports—and successful cases can lead to fines up to $5,000 per violation or even jail time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed plumber in Florida?
A: While homeowners aren’t typically prosecuted, you lose legal protections. If something goes wrong, you can’t file claims with the state’s Recovery Fund, and your homeowner’s insurance may deny coverage for damage caused by unlicensed work.
Q2: Can a handyman do plumbing work in Florida?
A: Only minor tasks like replacing faucets or unclogging drains. Any work involving pipe installation, water heaters, or sewer lines requires a licensed plumber. Handymen without plumbing licenses risk fines—and so do clients who knowingly hire them.
Q3: How long does a Florida plumbing license last?
A: Licenses expire every 2 years. Contractors must renew before the expiration date and complete continuing education hours. Always check the expiration date in the DBPR portal.
Q4: What if the plumber is licensed in another state?
A: Florida does not accept out-of-state plumbing licenses automatically. They must obtain a Florida CFC or RFC license to work legally here—even if they’re licensed in Georgia or Alabama.
Q5: Are apprentice plumbers allowed to work alone?
A: No. Apprentices must be supervised on-site by a licensed master plumber at all times. If an “apprentice” shows up alone, it’s a red flag.
Q6: Can I check a plumbing company’s license too?
A: Yes! Search the business name in the DBPR portal. The company must have a qualifying agent (a licensed plumber) listed as the responsible party.
Conclusion
Knowinghow to check if a plumber is licensed in Florida isn’t just smart—it’s essential for protecting your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind. With the state’s free, user-friendly DBPR tool, verification takes seconds but prevents disasters that cost thousands.
Don’t gamble with your plumbing. Take 2 minutes today to confirm your contractor’s credentials. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or family in Florida—especially new homeowners or seniors who may be targeted by unlicensed operators.
For more on contractor regulations, see the Wikipedia entry on plumbing codes, which outlines national and state-level standards—including Florida’s adoption of the Florida Building Code (based on the IPC).
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