Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor License

   Florida offers two plumbing contractor license types: Certified (statewide) and Registered (local). The Certified Plumbing Contractor license is issued by the Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board (s. 489.105(3), F.S.). Applicants must pass the state examination, demonstrate qualifying experience (e.g., 4 years of trade experience including at least 1 year as a foreman, or approved education/experience combinations — s. 489.111, F.S.), attest to public liability and property damage insurance of $100,000/$25,000 (Rule 61G4-15.003, F.A.C.), and carry workers' compensation coverage or an exemption.

   Official government source

   $245 application fee if applying May 1 of an even year through Aug 31 of an odd year, or $145 if applying Sep 1 of an odd year through Apr 30 of an even year (per DBPR form CILB 5-M); examination fees paid separately to the exam vendor; renewal fees per the current DBPR schedule·4–8 weeks

   $245 application fee if applying May 1 of an even year through Aug 31 of an odd year, or $145 if applying Sep 1 of an odd year through Apr 30 of an even year (per DBPR form CILB 5-M); examination fees paid separately to the exam vendor; renewal fees per the current DBPR schedule

   4–8 weeks

2. Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance

   Required for all Florida plumbing contractors with employees. Florida is strict about workers' comp compliance; penalties for non-compliance are severe.

   Official government source

   Varies by payroll·1–5 days

   Varies by payroll

   1–5 days

3. Florida Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

   LLCs and corporations must register with the Florida Division of Corporations.

   Official government source

   $125 (LLC filing fee)·3–5 business days (online filing)

   $125 (LLC filing fee)

   3–5 business days (online filing)

1. Miami-Dade County Contractor Certification

   Plumbing contractors holding a Florida state Certified Plumbing Contractor license can pull permits in Miami-Dade County, including the City of Miami, without a county certificate. Contractors without state certification may qualify through the Miami-Dade Construction Trades Qualifying Board (Certificate of Competency, Chapter 10 of the county code) and must register the certificate with the state as registered contractors.

   Official government source

   CTQB fees vary by category (posted examples: $315 personal + $315 business license; $240 journeyman); confirm with the Construction Trades Qualifying Board, (786) 315-2100·2–6 weeks

   CTQB fees vary by category (posted examples: $315 personal + $315 business license; $240 journeyman); confirm with the Construction Trades Qualifying Board, (786) 315-2100

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Miami Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

   All businesses operating in the City of Miami must obtain a Business Tax Receipt, renewed annually. Contractors based outside the city who work in Miami without a city business location can apply directly for the BTR without a Certificate of Use. A Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt is also required for county-based businesses.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification under the City of Miami fee schedule; no citywide fee range is published on the official BTR page — confirm with the City of Miami at (305) 416-2087·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business classification under the City of Miami fee schedule; no citywide fee range is published on the official BTR page — confirm with the City of Miami at (305) 416-2087

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• Florida DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing
• Miami-Dade County — Contractor Licensing

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