Sewer/Water Licensing in Boulevard Gardens CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or install plumbing systems—including sewer and water work—must hold a state Construction Industry License unless an exemption applies.[^1] The state defines "plumbing" as the installation, maintenance, and repair of all piping, fixtures, and appliances in connection with water supply, drainage, and sewage systems.[^2]

If you perform sewer or water work for compensation in Boulevard Gardens CDP, you must be licensed by the state before beginning work.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Determine Your License Category. Florida offers licenses for General Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, and specialty trades. Sewer and water work typically falls under Plumbing Contractor classification.[^2]

2. Meet Qualifications. You must demonstrate:

3. Four years of experience in plumbing work (or equivalent education/apprenticeship), with at least one year as a journeyman or supervisor[^3]
4. Good moral character

5. Financial responsibility

6. Exam. Pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination covering plumbing code, business law, and safety.[^4]

7. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Submit your application, proof of experience, exam results, and fees to the state board.[^4] The Board is the sole authority issuing Florida construction licenses.

8. Receive Your License. Upon approval, you'll receive your state license number, required on all contracts and advertisements.

Local Requirements

Permits and Building Department:
Boulevard Gardens CDP is in Broward County. Pull permits through the Broward County Building and Permitting Division for sewer and water work within the municipality. Contact the Boulevard Gardens Building Department or Broward County for specific permit procedures and fees.

Municipal Code:
Consult the Boulevard Gardens Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional requirements, or ordinances governing construction work within the town limits.

Exemptions

Per Florida law, sewer and water work performed by the following is exempt from licensure:[^5]

• A person performing work on their own property (not for compensation)
• Work performed by municipalities and public utilities on public systems
• Installation of water meters and service lines by water utilities
• Certain apprentices and helpers under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Emergency repair work by utility companies

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

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