Sewer/Water Licensing in Plantation, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who constructs, repairs, or maintains water or sewer systems must hold a valid license unless exempt. Work classified as "plumbing" under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 includes installation and repair of pipes, fixtures, and appurtenances for water supply and sewage disposal systems in buildings and structures.

If your work involves these activities in Plantation, you must be licensed by the state before performing the work. The license must be held by the individual performing the work or by a licensed entity under whose supervision the work occurs.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), a state agency. Follow these steps:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113:
2. Provide proof of four years of experience in the plumbing trade (work must be documented and verifiable)

3. Pass the CILB examination for plumbing contractors

4. Apply with the Florida CILB (state level—not through Plantation):

5. Submit application, experience documentation, and examination fees

6. Complete the approved examination covering Florida law, trade knowledge, and safety standards

7. Obtain your license once approved and fees are paid

8. Pull local permits through the Plantation Building Department before beginning any work in the city

The state exam and licensure process is managed entirely by the CILB under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. Local permit requirements are separate.

Local Requirements

Permits and inspections in Plantation are managed by the city Building Department. You must obtain a permit before starting any water or sewer work within city limits, even with a valid state license.

Consult the Plantation Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional standards, or specific procedures regarding plumbing permits and inspections.

Contact the Plantation Building Department for:
- Local permit applications and fees
- Inspection scheduling
- Municipal code clarifications specific to Plantation

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• Homeowners: A homeowner may perform plumbing work on their own single-family residence without a license
• Employees of licensed contractors: Work performed by employees under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Emergency repairs: Limited emergency repairs to prevent property damage or health hazards (though a licensed contractor should complete the work within a specified timeframe)
• Maintenance by property owners: Routine maintenance performed by property owners on their own property in some circumstances

Check current statutory exemptions before proceeding without a license.

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
• Plantation Municipal Code

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