Plumbing Schools in Florida: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Plumber Training Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” All of that is true in Florida. Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including plumbing.

It does seem that most people entering the plumbing industry in Florida learn on the job. Formal education is not required by law in Florida to begin learning to perform plumbing work or even to become licensed, but it can help you land a job as a plumber apprentice. Also, educational experience can substitute for most of the experience required for plumbers in Florida to become licensed. 

If you choose to start your journey with some kind of plumbing education, there are a lot of training programs to choose from in Florida. Several schools have aligned their program curriculum with the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

NCCER lists the following programs on their website as accredited plumbing schools in Florida:

• AMIKids Orlando in Apopka, Pinellas Park, and Melbourne

• Atlantic Technical College in Pompano Beach

• Charlotte Technical College in Port Charlotte

• Erwin Technical College in Tampa

• Florida State College at Jacksonville

• Florida Technical College in Kissimmee

• Florida Technical College in Lakeland

• Florida Technical College in Orlando

• Florida Technical College in Pembroke Pines

• Fort Myers Technical College in Fort Myers

• Fred K. Marchman Technical College in New Port Richey

• Immokalee Technical College in Immokalee

• Indian River State College in Fort Pierce

• Lindsey Hopkins Technical College in Miami

• Lively Technical College in Tallahassee

• Manatee Technical College in Bradenton

• Miami Lakes Education Center in Hialeah

• Northwest Florida State College in Niceville

• Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth

• Pensacola State College in Pensacola

• Pinellas Technical College in St. Petersburg and Clearwater

• Polk State College in Bartow

• River Oak Technical College in Live Oak

• Santa Fe College in Gainesville

• Suncoast Technical College in Sarasota

• Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee

• Withlacoochee Technical College in Inverness 

Several plumbing companies and trade organizations in Florida also offer NCCER-accredited apprenticeship programs described in the apprentice section below. 

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements to get started, as in Florida. If the return on investment is not there in your state, it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training rather than attending one of the plumber schools. 

In terms of college education for plumbers, typically there is a range of degree and certificate programs. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common plumbing programs in Florida are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Diploma Program – one to two years 

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Many plumbing professionals have some post-secondary training. However, very few choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking some kind of related engineering or building construction degree.  If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Florida like:

• University of Miami

• Florida State University

• Florida A & M University

• University of South Florida

As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a plumber or having your own plumbing business, a degree is not necessary.

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the classes for a Plumbing Technology certificate or degree are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Drain, Waste and Venting Systems

• Water Supply and Distribution Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation

Other programs might add intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals among other courses. Many include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification too.

Program graduates have the qualification of an apprentice plumber or pipefitter and are prepared to enter the workforce and continue learning under the direction of a licensed plumber.

School Selection Criteria

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the school and program.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Florida community colleges on average is $5,404 per year for in-state students and $11,632 for out-of-state students. However, some programs listed here cost $2,000 to $3,000, and others are upward of $15,000. There will be some variations in fees at each school, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a very specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate degree. The certificates can be as few as 12 credit hours. Diploma or associate’s degree programs typically take one to two years, and most apprenticeships take four to five years to complete.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Although in Florida there is no educational requirement to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Some trade school training can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. 

Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level plumbing jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salary. Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success each list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes and the accredited programs listed above are pretty accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers have to learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems, troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties, new installations involve running all water, gas and sewage lines, how and when to use different  pipe materials and how to fit them together properly, plumbing code and record keeping of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance

Many of the training schools listed above are part of the Florida College System. They offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate. A lot of the programs offered at these schools are the required classroom instruction that is part of an  apprenticeship. Others offer certificate programs that meet NCCER guidelines that lead to Level 1-4 certification.

Erwin Technical College

• Plumbing Technology | Certificate | 1,080 hours

Fort Myers Technical College

• Plumbing | Certificate | 1,080 hours

Hillsborough Community College

• Plumber Apprenticeship | 720 clock hours, 8,000 hours on-the-job training, 4-5 years

Indian River State College

• Plumbing Apprenticeship | 8,400 hours

Miami Dade College

• Plumbing Apprenticeship | Certificate | 4 years

Pensacola State College

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology | Certificate | 1,080 hours

Santa Fe College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Construction Management Technology as well as a plumbing course and apprenticeship.

• Plumbing Technology, C.T.C. | Certificate | 1,080 hours

• Plumbing Apprenticeship | 4 years

Suncoast Technical College

• Plumbing | Certificate | 1,080 hours             

Steps for Enrollment in Florida

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Plumbing Career Requirements in Florida

As mentioned earlier, Florida does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level plumbing work in the state, but does allow for college programs to count toward the required professional experience for licensing. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must work for a licensed plumber.

To be eligible to become a licensed plumbing contractor applicants must: Get verified experience in the plumbing Industry; pass a trade knowledge exam and a business and finance knowledge exam; acquire general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 with $25,000 property damage coverage; demonstrate financial responsibility based on your submitted FICO credit report with a score of 660 or higher; complete a Criminal Background check.

For a detailed explanation of Florida’s Plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Florida Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Florida

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in Florida? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Florida for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years : $47,100

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $55,000

• Senior 4-6 years: $61,400

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

As stated earlier the most common way to get the training you need to become a plumber is through an apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are three to five years long and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license. 

The Florida Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) has a four-year apprentice program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Union plumber apprenticeships are also offered in Florida through the United Association local union chapters — LU 295 Daytona Beach, LU 123 Tampa, LU 234 Jacksonville, LU 519 Miami, LU 725 Miami, LU 803 Orlando, LU 630 West Palm Beach. They are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding and other trade-related courses. Many of the colleges listed above support the academics of union and non-union apprenticeships. Daytona State College, for example, provides the classroom instruction for LU 295.

Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

Some companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself.

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted many NCCER-accredited colleges thus far. However, although accreditation can give you confidence in your technical or community college, accredited programs are far from your only option. One other option is Florida Training Services.

Florida Training Services: Students at Florida Training Services complete a four-year apprenticeship recognized by the Florida Department of Education Registered Apprenticeship that satisfies the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship requirements. The curriculum follows NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research) standards. Graduates receive a certificate of completion that documents work hours required to qualify for journeyman testing.

There are so many other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are just too many to list them all here, but each of the schools below has plumbing programs.

• Osceola Technical College

• Sheridan Technical College

• Seminole State College

• South Florida Institute of Technology

Florida has hundreds of college campuses across the state. If one of the schools above isn’t in your area, check this list to see where else you can look for plumber training in Florida.

You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Florida. The opportunities are all around you.