Plumber rules, state by state
Updated .
Plumber licensing, deposits, contracts, small claims and liens are set state by state and often city by city, so no single rule below is national.
This page lists only what could be read on official pages in November 2026, for the places shown. A state left out is not a state with no rules. It means its pages could not be reached or were not checked. For any other state, the FTC advice is to confirm a license with your state or county government. Rules change, so open the link before relying on a line here. This is general information, not legal advice.
California
- Licenses: look up a contractor at the Contractors State License Board. Since January 1, 2025 the no-license threshold is $1,000, and only for jobs with no workers hired and no permit needed.
- Contracts and deposits: a written contract is required over $500, and the down payment cannot be more than $1,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less.
- Disputes: board complaints do not guarantee money back. Small claims go up to $12,500 for individuals, read November 2026.
Texas
- Licenses: the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners licenses plumbers and registers drain cleaners. Its complaint form is online.
- Disputes: small claims go up to $20,000, read November 2026. The attorney general takes consumer complaints but may not contact you again.
New York
- Licenses: the attorney general says home improvement contractors must be licensed locally in New York City and five named counties. Plumber licensing itself could not be confirmed here, so ask your city or county.
- Money: the same page says contractors must put progress payments in escrow. Hold the final payment until inspections are finalized.
Washington
- Licenses: plumbers must be state certified, and plumbing businesses need a contractor license. Verify registration, bond, insurance and certification here.
- Disputes: the attorney general offers informal resolution but cannot act as your lawyer. On liens, get signed releases before final payment.
Maryland
- Money: a home improvement contractor cannot take more than one third of the price as a deposit, and nothing before the contract is signed.
- Disputes: the Guaranty Fund applies only to licensed contractors. Plumber licensing itself could not be confirmed here.
Illinois
- Licenses: the Department of Public Health licenses plumbers, and plumbing contractors must register.
- Disputes: small claims are $10,000 or less, read November 2026.
Colorado
- Licenses: the State Plumbing Board licenses plumbers and has a license check. The attorney general's complaint page sends plumbing complaints there. Local rules may add to this.
North Carolina
- Licenses: a state board licenses plumbing contractors. The Department of Justice takes home repair complaints but does not represent individuals.
Virginia
- Disputes: small claims go up to $5,000, read November 2026. Plumber licensing could not be confirmed here.
Florida
- Warranties: home warranty companies must be licensed and show exclusions in boldface. Plumber licensing could not be confirmed here.
Use these with licensed or not, deposits and small claims or a lawyer.