Sewer/Water Licensing in Lower Grand Lagoon CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or install water or sewer systems must hold a valid license as a water or sewer contractor. Work that requires licensing includes the installation, repair, and maintenance of potable water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems serving individual properties or public infrastructure.

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "sewer contractor" and "water contractor" are defined as individuals who perform work related to these systems and are subject to regulation by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. If you are performing this work for compensation in Lower Grand Lagoon CDP, you must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing for sewer and water contractors is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a license:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. A combination of experience (typically 4 years in the trade for a contractor license)
3. Passage of the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination

4. Proof of workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance

5. Apply directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, not the local municipality. The Board processes all state-level contractor licensing.

6. Pass the trade exam specific to sewer or water contracting.

7. Submit proof of bonding and insurance as required by state law.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for current application procedures, exam dates, and fees.

Local Requirements

Lower Grand Lagoon CDP is located in Bay County, Florida. While the state issues contractor licenses, local permitting is required before work begins.

Contact the Lower Grand Lagoon Building Department or Bay County Building Department to:
- Obtain construction permits for sewer or water work
- Verify any local amendments to state requirements
- Confirm inspection requirements

Refer to the Lower Grand Lagoon Municipal Code for any local ordinances governing plumbing, water systems, or sewer work within the municipality. Local codes may impose additional standards beyond state law.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by homeowners on their own property (not for hire)
• Certain maintenance and repair work performed by employees of public water or sewer utilities
• Work by certified public employees under direct supervision

However, if you are contracting this work for compensation in Lower Grand Lagoon CDP, these exemptions do not apply.

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. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Lower Grand Lagoon Municipal Code

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