Sewer/Water Licensing in Cocoa, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates contractors who construct, repair, or maintain water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" includes any person who undertakes to supply labor, materials, or both for the installation or repair of water or sewerage systems. This includes both public and private water/sewer work.

You must be licensed if your work involves:
- Installing or repairing water lines or connections
- Installing or repairing sewer lines or connections
- Maintenance of water or sewer infrastructure
- Work performed for compensation on these systems

How to Get Licensed

Sewer and water contractor licenses are issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Step 1: Verify you meet qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which require proof of experience, financial responsibility, and knowledge of Florida construction law.

Step 2: Apply directly with the CILB (not through the city). The state board administers all contractor licensing for this trade.

Step 3: Pass the required CILB exam covering Florida construction laws, industry standards, and trade-specific knowledge.

Step 4: Provide evidence of experience (typically 4 years as a supervisor or manager in sewer/water work, or equivalent).

Step 5: Obtain a Florida seller of merchandise license if applicable to your scope.

Contact the CILB through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for current exam dates, application fees, and submission procedures.

Local Requirements

Once licensed by the state, you must comply with Cocoa Municipal Code requirements before performing work in the city. Review the Cocoa Municipal Code for any local amendments regarding:
- Permit requirements for sewer/water work
- Inspection procedures specific to Cocoa
- Right-of-way restrictions
- Connection standards to municipal systems

Contact the Cocoa Building Department to obtain local permits and clarify which municipal code provisions apply to your specific project. Cocoa operates within Brevard County; confirm whether your work falls under city or county jurisdiction.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensing exemptions apply to:
- Work performed by a property owner on their own property (owner-builder exception)
- Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
- Public employees performing work for a government agency
- Work on farms or groves under specific conditions

These exemptions do not apply if you are performing work for compensation. Review the statute to confirm your situation qualifies.

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
• Cocoa Municipal Code

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