Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Orlando, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   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 for Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor License (opens in a new tab)

   $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 — coverage or construction-industry exemption

   Florida classifies plumbing contracting as construction industry (Rule 69L-6.021, F.A.C.), where workers' compensation coverage is required with one or more employees (s. 440.02(20)(b), F.S.) — and a corporate officer or an LLC member owning at least 10% who performs the work counts as an employee (s. 440.02(11), (18)(b)). An owner-only LLC or corporation must therefore either carry a workers' compensation policy or file a construction-industry Certificate of Election to be Exempt with the Division of Workers' Compensation before starting paid work ($50, valid 2 years, max 3 officers/members per business, at least 10% ownership; s. 440.05). A sole proprietor or partner engaged in the construction industry is also counted as an employee (s. 440.02(18)(c)) and the s. 440.05 exemption is limited to corporate officers and LLC members — verify the coverage route with the Division, (850) 413-1609, if the business is not incorporated. Operating without required coverage risks a stop-work order and a penalty of 2x the evaded premium, $1,000 minimum (s. 440.107). Employees hired later need actual coverage from day one; an exemption covers only the named officer/member.

   Official government source for Florida Workers' Compensation — coverage or construction-industry exemption (opens in a new tab)

   $50 per construction-industry exemption certificate (2 years) or policy premium (varies by payroll)·File the exemption or bind coverage before starting paid work; verify current processing time with the Division of Workers' Compensation

   $50 per construction-industry exemption certificate (2 years) or policy premium (varies by payroll)

   File the exemption or bind coverage before starting paid work; verify current processing time with the Division of Workers' Compensation

3. Florida Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

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

   Official government source for Florida Business Entity Registration (if applicable) (opens in a new tab)

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

   $125 (LLC filing fee)

   3–5 business days (online filing)

1. Orange County — Contractor Competency Card

   Plumbing contractors with a Florida state Certified Plumbing Contractor license may pull permits in Orange County and Orlando without a county credential. Contractors without state certification must qualify locally (competency exam) and register with the state as registered contractors before pulling permits. Confirm requirements and fees with the Orange County Division of Building Safety.

   Official government source for Orange County — Contractor Competency Card (opens in a new tab)

   Confirm current fees with the Orange County Division of Building Safety contractor licensing section·2–4 weeks

   Confirm current fees with the Orange County Division of Building Safety contractor licensing section

   2–4 weeks

2. City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt

   All businesses operating in the City of Orlando must obtain a Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) from City of Orlando Permitting Services (407-246-2204), plus an Orange County Business Tax Receipt.

   Official government source for City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt (opens in a new tab)

   Varies by business classification; the City of Orlando does not publish a flat range — confirm with City of Orlando Permitting Services, (407) 246-2204 / businesstax@orlando.gov·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business classification; the City of Orlando does not publish a flat range — confirm with City of Orlando Permitting Services, (407) 246-2204 / businesstax@orlando.gov

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• Florida DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing
• Orange County — Contractor Licensing

Related Guides