Sewer/Water Licensing in Sunrise, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and contractors engaged in the installation, maintenance, repair, or alteration of water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" includes work on water supply, sewage, and drainage systems. Any person who contracts to perform such work—or who offers to perform it—must hold an active, valid license from the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) unless specifically exempted.

This applies whether you work as a contractor, subcontractor, or specialty contractor in these trades within Sunrise.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure (CILB)

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The CILB administers all contractor licensing in Florida.

2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:

3. Proof of financial responsibility (surety bond or cash deposit)
4. Workers' compensation insurance (if required)
5. Four years of work experience in the trade (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

6. Passage of a licensing examination demonstrating knowledge of construction law, business practices, and technical standards

7. Submit your application to CILB with proof of qualifications, exam results, and fees.

There is no separate local exam for Sunrise; state licensure satisfies the requirement to work in the city.

Local Requirements

Sunrise permits and inspections are administered through the Sunrise Building Department. Before beginning any sewer or water work in Sunrise, you must:

• Obtain a building permit from the city
• Comply with all requirements in the Sunrise Municipal Code, including any local amendments to state plumbing or construction standards
• Submit to Sunrise inspections at required stages

Contact the Sunrise Building Department to determine specific local code provisions, permit fees, and inspection procedures for your project. Local requirements may impose standards beyond state law.

Exemptions

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

• Employees performing work under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Property owners performing work on their own property (with limitations; consult the statute)
• Public employees and agencies performing work in an official capacity
• Certain specialty work or maintenance, as defined in the statute

Even exempt persons may be required to obtain local building permits in Sunrise.

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
• Sunrise Municipal Code

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