Sewer/Water Licensing in Hawthorne city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for individuals and businesses engaged in the construction, installation, maintenance, or repair of sewer and water systems. Work that materially affects the public health, safety, or welfare of the community falls under state regulation via the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Specifically, any person contracting to perform work on public or private water supply systems, sanitary sewers, or storm sewers must hold the appropriate state license unless an exemption applies.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues sewer/water licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Steps:

1. Meet qualification requirements – Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must demonstrate:
2. Competency through examination
3. Experience in the trade (specific hours vary by license classification)

4. Financial responsibility and good moral character

5. Apply through DBPR – Submit an application with required documentation and fees to the state licensing authority. Exams cover trade knowledge, safety practices, and code compliance.

6. Pass the state exam – Demonstrates knowledge of Florida Building Code, plumbing codes, and sewer/water system standards.

7. Obtain your license – Once approved, you receive a state construction license valid for two years. Renewal requires continuing education and fee payment.

The specific experience hours and exam content are defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — consult DBPR directly for current requirements by license type.

Local Requirements

Hawthorne city is located in Alachua County. Before beginning work, licensed contractors must:

• Pull permits through the Hawthorne Building Department (contact the city directly for current procedures and permitting fees)
• Comply with local codes – Review the Hawthorne Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law

The municipal code may contain local standards for inspections, system design approval, or material specifications. Verify with the Building Department whether Hawthorne has adopted amendments to state sewer/water rules.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure requirements:

• Owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Utility companies performing work on their own systems
• Government agencies performing public works

Self-performance by property owners may still require permits and inspections; exemption from licensure does not waive local permitting or code compliance.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program
- Phone: 850-245-7500
- Website: https://floridadep.gov/water/certification-restoration/content/water-and-domestic-wastewater-operator-certification

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Hawthorne Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)