Plumber License from Florida to Washington: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification Program ↗
A plumbing license transfers from Florida to Washington by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification Program, verify your Florida license, and meet Washington's endorsement requirements. Washington waives its journey level (journeyman) plumber examination only for a plumber who holds a current Idaho journey level plumber certificate — the sole reciprocal state; L&I reviews the Idaho credential and issues the Washington certificate without exam. Every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Washington plumber exam; out-of-state trainee/apprenticeship hours are not accepted toward Washington certification, though a one-time 120-day temporary permit lets a non-reciprocal applicant work while awaiting the exam.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Florida is not among the states Washington names for an automatic exam waiver, so this move runs on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification Program's individual endorsement or equivalency review rather than a guarantee. Washington waives its journey level (journeyman) plumber examination only for a plumber who holds a current Idaho journey level plumber certificate — the sole reciprocal state; L&I reviews the Idaho credential and issues the Washington certificate without exam. Every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Washington plumber exam; out-of-state trainee/apprenticeship hours are not accepted toward Washington certification, though a one-time 120-day temporary permit lets a non-reciprocal applicant work while awaiting the exam. Bring your Florida license, proof that it is active and in good standing, and your apprenticeship and exam records — and get any discretionary exam or experience credit in writing before you rely on it.
What changes, Florida → Washington
| Florida (current) | Washington (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $350 ($350 certification-by-endorsement application fee (CILB 10). The standard exam-route Certified Plumbing Contractor application is $245 (May 1 even year–Aug 31 odd year) or $145 (Sep 1 odd year–Apr 30 even year). A separate electronic-fingerprint fee applies) | $242.7 (Idaho reciprocal journey level applicants pay the $242.70 journey level certification fee (exam waived). Non-reciprocal out-of-state applicants pay a $202.10 examination application fee (plus a PSI scheduling fee) and then the $242.70 certification fee; a one-time 120-day temporary work permit is $100.30) |
| Processing time | No board-stated processing time | L&I does not publish a fixed processing time; out-of-state credentials are reviewed before the applicant may test or receive a reciprocal certificate, and approved applications are valid for one year |
| Licensing authority | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) | Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification Program |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Washington sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Washington's current requirements on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification Program website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification Program (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Hold a current, unexpired Idaho journey level plumber certificate (the only reciprocal state).
- Submit the Plumber Certification Application (F627-008-000) with a copy of the out-of-state license/card and a government-issued photo ID to L&I's Plumber Certification program for credential review.
- Out-of-state trainee/apprenticeship hours are NOT accepted toward Washington certification.
- Non-reciprocal out-of-state applicants must pass the Washington plumber exam; a one-time 120-day temporary permit allows work in the interim.
- Pay the fees ($242.7 (Idaho reciprocal journey level applicants pay the $242.70 journey level certification fee (exam waived). Non-reciprocal out-of-state applicants pay a $202.10 examination application fee (plus a PSI scheduling fee) and then the $242.70 certification fee; a one-time 120-day temporary work permit is $100.30)) and allow L&I does not publish a fixed processing time; out-of-state credentials are reviewed before the applicant may test or receive a reciprocal certificate, and approved applications are valid for one year.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington accept a Florida plumbing license?
A plumbing license transfers from Florida to Washington by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification Program, verify your Florida license, and meet Washington's endorsement requirements. Washington waives its journey level (journeyman) plumber examination only for a plumber who holds a current Idaho journey level plumber certificate — the sole reciprocal state; L&I reviews the Idaho credential and issues the Washington certificate without exam. Every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Washington plumber exam; out-of-state trainee/apprenticeship hours are not accepted toward Washington certification, though a one-time 120-day temporary permit lets a non-reciprocal applicant work while awaiting the exam.
Which exam applies moving from Florida to Washington?
Washington waives its journey level (journeyman) plumber examination only for a plumber who holds a current Idaho journey level plumber certificate — the sole reciprocal state; L&I reviews the Idaho credential and issues the Washington certificate without exam. Every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Washington plumber exam; out-of-state trainee/apprenticeship hours are not accepted toward Washington certification, though a one-time 120-day temporary permit lets a non-reciprocal applicant work while awaiting the exam.
What does the Florida-to-Washington move cost and how long does it take?
$242.7 (Idaho reciprocal journey level applicants pay the $242.70 journey level certification fee (exam waived). Non-reciprocal out-of-state applicants pay a $202.10 examination application fee (plus a PSI scheduling fee) and then the $242.70 certification fee; a one-time 120-day temporary work permit is $100.30); processing L&I does not publish a fixed processing time; out-of-state credentials are reviewed before the applicant may test or receive a reciprocal certificate, and approved applications are valid for one year.
Can I keep my Florida plumbing license after I'm licensed in Washington?
Yes — plumbing licenses in different jurisdictions run independently. Keep the Florida credential active on its own renewal and continuing-education schedule and you hold both, which is common for plumbers working near a state line.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Washington L&I — Plumber Examination (Idaho reciprocity, out-of-state review, 120-day temporary permit, $202.10 exam fee, $100.30 permit) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Washington L&I — Get or Renew Your Plumber Certification (fees incl. $242.70 journey level certification; F627-008-000 application form) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Florida DBPR CILB 10 — Application for Certification by Endorsement (s.489.115(3); $350 fee; licensure without state exam) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Florida DBPR CILB 5-M — Application for Certified Plumbing Contractor as an Individual (contractor-level license; $145/$245 fee) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Florida Statutes 489.115 — certification and registration; endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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