Verify a Plumber's License in Florida
Every listing on this directory has already been checked against the state record. You should still know how to do this yourself, for anyone you hire, whether they're on this site or not. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing.
Updated August 2026
The real tool, not a workaround
This isn't a search box we built for you to type into, it's a direct link to the actual state database. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation runs the license record for every plumbing contractor in the state, and their public lookup is the only source that actually matters.
Open the official DBPR license search (opens in a new tab)How to search, step by step
- Open the DBPR license searchUse the link above. You don't need an account or to pay anything, this is a free public record.
- Search by name or license numberYou can search by the business or individual's name, or directly by their license number if they've given you one. Searching by license number is faster and avoids any confusion over similarly named businesses, which is common enough to matter.
- Read the status fieldThis is the one field that actually matters. See the table below for what each status means.
- Confirm the name and address matchFlorida has multiple businesses with very similar or even identical names in different cities. A matching license type and status means nothing if it belongs to a different company than the one standing in your driveway.
What the status field actually means
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Current, Active | Up to date on all requirements and legally allowed to work under that license right now. This is what you want to see. |
| Inactive | Met requirements at some point but isn't currently authorized to practice, often a voluntary status. Not automatically a red flag, but they shouldn't be actively working under this license while it's inactive. |
| Delinquent | Missed a renewal deadline. A delinquent license is not a currently valid one, treat this the same as not having a license at all until it's renewed. |
| Suspended or Revoked | The state has formally barred this person or business from practicing, either temporarily (suspended) or permanently (revoked). This is a hard stop, not a judgment call. |
What the letters in the license number mean
Florida plumbing contractor licenses generally start with one of two prefixes:
- CFC, Certified Plumbing Contractor. Qualifies someone to work anywhere in Florida, not just one city or county.
- RF, Registered Plumbing Contractor. Tied to a specific local jurisdiction rather than the whole state.
Both are legitimate license types, this reflects geographic scope, not skill level or seniority. A general contractor license (often starting with CGC or CBC) is a different category entirely and isn't a substitute for a plumbing-specific license on plumbing work.
Red flags and green flags
Good signs
- Status shows Current, Active
- Business name and address match who's doing the work
- They give you the license number without being asked twice
- License type matches the actual work (plumbing-specific, not just general contracting)
Worth pausing on
- No license number offered at all
- Hesitation or refusal when you ask for one
- Status shows Delinquent, Suspended, or Revoked
- The name on the license doesn't match the business you're actually hiring
Common questions
Is checking a Florida plumber's license actually free?
Yes. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation runs a free public license lookup at myfloridalicense.com. No account or payment is required to search by name or license number.
What does "Current, Active" mean on a license record?
It means the licensee is up to date on all state requirements and is legally allowed to work under that license right now. This is the status you want to see before hiring anyone.
What's the difference between a CFC and an RF plumbing license?
A CFC license is a Certified Plumbing Contractor license, which qualifies someone to work anywhere in Florida. An RF license is a Registered Plumbing Contractor license, which is tied to a specific local jurisdiction. Both are legitimate, the difference is geographic scope, not skill level.
What should I do if a plumber won't give me a license number?
Treat it as a serious red flag. A licensed contractor has no reason to withhold their license number, since it's public information anyone can look up for free. Hesitation or refusal is one of the clearest signs to look elsewhere.
How this site does its own verification
Every provider listed in our directory has been checked this exact way, against the same DBPR record, before being added. Where a license couldn't be confirmed, we say so directly on that listing rather than leaving it blank. See the full methodology for how that process works.