Sewer/Water Licensing in Tamarac city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons who engage in the construction, repair, or installation of sewerage and water systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "sewer work" and "water work" are defined as regulated construction trades. Any individual or entity performing this work for compensation must hold the appropriate state license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), unless explicitly exempted.

Work that triggers licensing requirements includes:
- Installation, repair, or alteration of public or private water supply systems
- Installation, repair, or alteration of sewerage systems or septic tanks
- Connection or disconnection of water and sewer lines
- Maintenance and testing of water and sewer infrastructure

How to Get Licensed

  1. Meet Qualifications: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must demonstrate competency through documented experience and/or formal education in sewer and water work. Specific hour requirements vary by license classification (e.g., apprentice, journeyman, master).

  2. Pass the CILB Exam: The Construction Industry Licensing Board administers written examinations covering Florida building codes, safety standards, and trade-specific knowledge.

  3. Apply to CILB: Submit your application directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (state level, not local). Include proof of experience, education documents, exam passage, and applicable fees.

  4. Obtain Local Permits: Once licensed, apply for job-specific permits through the Tamarac Building Department before beginning any sewer or water work in the city.

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.107 for details on the CILB's role and procedures.

Local Requirements

Tamarac operates under the authority of the Tamarac Municipal Code. Consult https://library.municode.com/fl/tamarac for city-specific requirements including:
- Permit application procedures and fees
- Inspection schedules and standards
- Local design and installation requirements that may exceed state minimums
- Bonding or insurance requirements

Contact the Tamarac Building Department for clarification on local amendments or supplemental requirements not covered under state statute.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:
- Work performed by employees of a government entity (municipal, county, or state) on public infrastructure
- Owners performing work on their own property for non-commercial purposes
- Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor
- Routine maintenance that does not constitute construction, repair, or alteration as defined in § 489.105

Individuals claiming exemption should verify their specific situation with the CILB or Tamarac 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

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