Moving to Florida as a master plumber: every state's rule

1. 1Application fee. Pay the application fee ($135). Exam registration fee paid to Professional Testing, Inc., charged each time you register.
2. 2Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. Plumbing Trade Knowledge exam: 110 scored multiple-choice questions plus five isometric drawings, paper and pencil, open book, given in one day in morning and afternoon sessions in central Florida, 70% to pass.
3. 3Law / code exam. Pass a law, rules, or code exam. Business and Finance exam required of every certified contractor category: 120 scored questions, 6.5 hours, open book, computer-based at Pearson VUE, 70% to pass; covers the business and financial management of a contracting firm.
4. 4Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($80). Exam site administration fee for the paper-based Plumbing Trade Knowledge exam, payable to DBPR and sent to Professional Testing with the registration.
5. 5Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($80). Pearson VUE administration fee for the Business and Finance exam, paid when you schedule.
6. 6License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($245). Certification application filed with DBPR after passing (Form CILB 5-M, or CILB 6-M to also qualify a business); $145 if filed between September 1 of an odd year and April 30 of an even year.
7. 7Background check. Complete a background check. Electronic fingerprints through an FDLE-registered Livescan provider, submitted right after you apply, for a state and national criminal history check. The application asks about criminal history, unsatisfied judgments or liens, bankruptcies, and license denials or discipline; each 'yes' needs a full explanation and supporting documents..
8. 8Other. Employment history for each qualifying period: employer name, address, phone and license number, a contact person, dates, time as a worker and as a foreman, and the plumbing work performed.
9. 9Financial responsibility. Show financial responsibility. Personal credit report with a FICO-derived score from a nationally recognized agency, stating that local, state and federal records were searched, plus a credit report on the business if you qualify one. There must be no unsatisfied liens or judgments, and a score below 660 requires a Board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course..
10. 10Insurance. Carry the required insurance. For an active license: public liability insurance of at least $100,000 and property damage insurance of at least $25,000, plus workers' compensation coverage or an exemption obtained within 30 days after the license is issued.
11. 11Business license. Obtain a business license (if applicable). Only if you will contract through a company: register the business with the Florida Division of Corporations (including any fictitious name) and qualify it on Form CILB 6-M; a Financially Responsible Officer may be named on Form CILB 8.

Published fees on this path total $540, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.