If you’re someone who enjoys working with your hands and solving problems, plumbing might be the perfect path for you. In Florida, the need for skilled tradespeople is rising—especially in fast-growing areas like Tampa. Plumbing is a respected and essential trade with strong career potential, job security, and opportunities for advancement. This blog will walk you through the plumbing career path in Florida, including the education, hands-on training, and licensing steps required to get started.
Start With the Right Foundation
To succeed in this field, you’ll need a mix of technical ability and practical soft skills. Plumbers must be detail-oriented, able to troubleshoot efficiently, and comfortable working in various environments—sometimes in tight spaces or under pressure. If you like solving real-world problems and working independently, plumbing could be a great fit.
Whether you’re still in high school or looking for a career change, the first step toward becoming a plumber is building a solid foundation. A high school diploma or GED is typically required, and certain high school classes can give you a head start. Courses in math, science, and shop provide helpful background knowledge, and communication skills are a valuable asset.
Choose Between a Trade School or an Apprenticeship
The next step is gaining formal training through a trade school or an apprenticeship program. Florida allows you to choose either path, and both come with their own advantages.
Trade schools offer structured classroom learning and hands-on labs that cover plumbing theory, code requirements, and tool use. These programs typically last one to two years and are ideal for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.
Apprenticeship programs, on the other hand, allow you to earn while you learn. You’ll work under a licensed plumber while also completing required classroom hours. Apprenticeships typically last four to five years, but you’ll gain real-world experience and often end up with a job offer upon completion.
Get On-the-Job Training
Whether you’re in a formal apprenticeship or working with a licensed plumber after trade school, on-the-job training is where you’ll sharpen your skills. This phase of the plumbing career path is crucial for learning how to troubleshoot real issues, work with customers, and master jobsite safety protocols.
You’ll also become familiar with local building codes, tools of the trade, and the types of plumbing systems you’ll encounter in Florida homes. This hands-on experience helps prepare you for the state licensing exam and gives you a chance to learn from seasoned professionals.
Complete the Licensing Requirements in Florida
Becoming a licensed plumber ensures you meet the legal requirements to work independently, pull permits, and grow your career with confidence. It also demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to doing the job right. Florida requires plumbers to be licensed either as a registered or certified contractor.
These are the steps to plumbing licensure:
- Accumulate the required work experience and education hours (usually around four years).
- Pass the Florida plumbing licensing exam, which tests your knowledge of plumbing codes, safety, business practices, and technical skills.
- Submit your application, background check, and proof of experience to the state.
Why a Plumbing Career Is a Smart Move
Plumbing offers a wide range of opportunities in both residential and commercial settings. In Florida’s growing communities, the demand for licensed plumbers remains high year-round. With the ability to earn a good income, learn while you work, and enjoy strong job security, it’s a trade that offers real stability.
Career advancement is also common. As you gain experience, you can pursue roles such as master plumber, plumbing inspector, or even business owner. Many plumbers also branch out into related trades, like HVAC or electrical, expanding their skills and increasing their earning potential.
Consider Your Future With Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric
At Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric, we believe in rising together. As a long-standing, family-owned company serving Tampa Bay for over 50 years, we’re proud to invest in people who want to build a better future through skilled trades. We set high standards because our clients deserve the best—and we support our team with a work environment built on trust, integrity, and shared success. Our core values say it all: Everybody wins. Always do the right thing. Be extraordinary by doing the ordinary.
Interested in a career with Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric? Contact us today!
