Best Plumbing Schools in Florida

Getting started in plumbing means choosing the right school. In Florida, plumbing is a licensed trade, so you need the right training before you can work on your own. The best schools combine classroom work with hands-on lab training and prepare you for the state licensing process.

How Plumbing Certification Works in Florida

Plumbers in Florida need both experience and exam results to get licensed. Training programs help you meet those requirements faster by giving you technical skills and supervised hours in the field.

Florida Statute 489 requires plumbers to hold a state-issued license to perform most contracting work, and candidates must pass an exam approved by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).

There are two main license types in Florida:

• Registered Plumbing Contractor - Allows you to work in specific local jurisdictions.
• Certified Plumbing Contractor - Allows you to work anywhere in the state.

Before applying for either license, make sure you:

1. Gain four years of plumbing experience (or equivalent through apprenticeship and education).
2. Complete training in building codes, safety, and blueprint reading.
3. Pass the state trade exam and business/finance exam.

You can get experience through an apprenticeship, vocational school, or a combination of both.

What to Look for in a Florida Plumbing School

A good plumbing training program should:

• Be accredited or approved by the Florida Department of Education or another recognized body.
• Include hands-on labs with real-world equipment.
• Offer courses in blueprint reading, pipefitting, water supply systems, and drainage systems.
• Provide OSHA safety training.
• Include preparation for the contractor's licensing exam.

Tip: If you want the fastest path to work, look for a program connected to a local plumbing contractors' association or union. They often help with job placement.

Best Plumbing Trade Schools in Florida

Here are some of the top options for plumbing training in the state. Contact each school to confirm current tuition, schedules, and admission requirements.

1. Erwin Technical College - Tampa

• Program: Plumbing Technology
• Length: Approx. 750 hours
• Focus: Installation, maintenance, blueprint reading, safety
• Website: https://erwin.edu

2. Miami Lakes Educational Center - Miami Lakes

• Program: Plumbing
• Length: 12 months (full-time)
• Focus: Residential and commercial systems, repair techniques
• Website: https://miamilakes.edu

3. Sheridan Technical College - Hollywood

• Program: Plumbing Technology
• Length: Approx. 1 year
• Focus: Pipe installation, repair, fixtures, tools
• Website: https://sheridantechnicalcollege.edu

4. Orange Technical College - Orlando

• Program: Plumbing Technology
• Length: 1 year
• Focus: Trade math, water heating systems, drainage
• Website: https://orangetechcollege.net

5. Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater/St. Petersburg

• Program: Plumbing Technology
• Length: About 1 year
• Focus: Water supply, waste removal, codes, and regulations
• Website: https://myptc.edu

6. Florida Technical College - Multiple Campuses

• Program: Diploma in Plumbing
• Length: Varies
• Focus: Entry-level plumbing techniques with field training options
• Website: https://ftccollege.edu

Comparison Table

Steps to Start Your Plumbing Career in Florida

1. Choose a Training Program - Pick from an accredited vocational, technical, or trade school.
2. Complete Coursework - Cover both technical skills and safety requirements.
3. Get Field Experience - Work under a licensed plumber or through an apprenticeship program.
4. Apply for the Exam - Follow DBPR's application process for the Certified or Registered Plumbing Contractor license.
5. Maintain Certification - Continue education to keep your license active.

Licensing Exam Prep

Florida's contractor plumbing exam tests state codes, trade knowledge, and business law. Good schools will:

• Include exam prep courses.
• Teach using current Florida Building Code and Plumbing Code.
• Offer practice tests.

If your chosen program does not offer prep, consider additional courses through:

• PHCC of Florida (https://www.phccfl.org/) - Florida chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.
• NCCER (https://www.nccer.org/) - National Center for Construction Education and Research.

Apprenticeships in Florida

Some prefer to go straight into an apprenticeship instead of a full-time school program. In Florida, many apprenticeships are run through unions or trade associations. They last 4-5 years and combine paid work with classroom training.

Advantages:

• Earn while you learn.
• Strong on-the-job experience.
• Often no tuition costs.

Disadvantages:

• Longer time before full license eligibility.
• Competitive application process.

Safety and Compliance Training

All plumbers must know how to work safely around pressurized systems, sewage, and lead-based materials.

OSHA 1926 requires specific safety training for construction trades, including handling confined spaces and hazardous materials.

Many plumbing programs include OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 courses as part of the curriculum.

The Bottom Line

If you want to work as a plumber in Florida, start by choosing a reputable training program that gives you both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience. Make sure the school prepares you for the state licensing exam and offers support with job placement.

Here's what you should do next:

• Pick one or two schools from the list above that are within travel distance.
• Contact them directly for details on start dates, tuition, and enrollment.
• Confirm if they offer exam prep and job placement.
• After training, work under a licensed plumber to complete your experience hours.
• Apply for your Florida plumbing license through DBPR.

With the right training and preparation, you can start building a career that offers steady work and opportunities to grow.

Sources
[^1] :Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation - Construction Industry Licensing Board: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/
[^2] :NCCER - Plumbing Curriculum: https://www.nccer.org/
[^3] :OSHA Construction Standards: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926

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