Sewer/Water Licensing in Starke city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for persons who engage in the business of installing, servicing, or maintaining potable water systems and wastewater/sewage systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing such work must hold a valid license. This applies to new construction, repairs, replacements, and maintenance of sewer and water infrastructure serving residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Starke.

Work triggering licensure includes:
- Installation of water supply lines and fixtures
- Installation of drainage and sewage systems
- Repair or replacement of water/sewer connections
- Alteration of existing potable water or wastewater systems

Unlicensed work violates state law and may result in fines, cease-and-desist orders, and liability for defective installations.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues sewer/water contractor licenses. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.107, the Board establishes and administers all contractor licensing.

Steps:
1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which require:
- Four years of experience as a sewer/water contractor, or equivalent training/education
- Passage of the CILB written examination
- Proof of workers' compensation insurance
- Good moral character

1. Submit your application and examination fee to the CILB (state level—not Starke-specific).

2. Pass the CILB examination covering code compliance, water/sewer system design, and installation standards.

3. Receive your state license and maintain compliance with continuing education and insurance requirements.

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for current application procedures and exam schedules.

Local Requirements

Starke requires all licensed contractors to obtain local permits before beginning work. Contact the Starke Building Department for permit application, fees, and inspections.

Review the Starke Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, and inspection schedules that may supplement state licensing requirements.

Bradford County may also impose additional standards; verify with both city and county authorities.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensure is not required for:
- Owners performing work on their own property (not for compensation)
- Persons performing work under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
- Utility companies performing work on their own systems
- Government agencies performing public works

These exemptions do not eliminate local permit requirements.

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
• Starke Municipal Code

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