Sewer/Water Licensing in Satellite Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who engages in the business of installing, repairing, or maintaining water or sewer systems must hold a valid license issued by the state. Work involving the construction, installation, alteration, or repair of water distribution systems or sanitary sewer systems is regulated under Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Law.

According to Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "sewer contractor" and "water contractor" are defined trades requiring licensure. The scope includes designing, installing, and servicing these systems. If you are performing this work for compensation in Satellite Beach, you must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. This board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues all construction licenses in Florida.

2. Meet qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. Have 4 years of work experience in the trade (or equivalent education/apprenticeship)
4. Pass the state licensing exam covering trade knowledge and Florida law

5. Demonstrate financial responsibility and good moral character

6. Submit your application with proof of experience, examination results, and any required fees to the state board.

7. Obtain workers' compensation insurance as required by state law.

Once licensed by the state, your license is valid throughout Florida, including Satellite Beach.

Local Requirements

Satellite Beach Permit Requirements:

All sewer and water work in Satellite Beach must be permitted through the Satellite Beach Building Department prior to beginning work. Contact the Building Department to pull permits for any regulated work.

Refer to the Satellite Beach Municipal Code for local amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, and any additional standards that apply to water and sewer contractors operating in the city.

Brevard County may also have jurisdiction over certain water and sewer infrastructure. Verify with the Building Department whether county permits or approvals are required for your specific project.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure, including:

• Work performed by an employee under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Maintenance performed by property owners on their own property (in limited circumstances)
• Work on systems wholly within a single dwelling unit by the homeowner

However, most commercial and multi-unit water/sewer work requires a licensed contractor. Do not assume an exemption applies—verify with the state board or the Satellite Beach Building Department.

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
• Satellite Beach Municipal Code

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