Sewer/Water Licensing in Manasota Key CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons who engage in the construction, repair, or maintenance of water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer contractor" means any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain water treatment systems, water distribution systems, wastewater treatment systems, or wastewater collection systems.

Work that requires a license includes installing, modifying, or servicing water mains, sewer lines, treatment facilities, and related infrastructure. Work performed as an employee under direct supervision of a licensed contractor may be exempt from individual licensing requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.103.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues water and sewer contractor licenses. To qualify, applicants must meet requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which includes:

1. Experience: Documented experience working in water or sewer construction for the required period (typically four or more years as a journeyperson or equivalent).
2. Examination: Pass the CILB water and sewer contractor examination.
3. Application: Submit an application to the CILB with proof of experience, exam passage, and required fees.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fee information.

Local Requirements

Manasota Key CDP is located in Charlotte County, Florida. Persons performing regulated water and sewer work must obtain a county or local building permit before beginning work.

Contact the Charlotte County Building Department (or the Manasota Key CDP administrative office) to determine whether permits are issued at the county level or through the CDP, and to obtain specific local permit requirements.

Refer to the Manasota Key Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional licensing requirements, or restrictions that may apply beyond state law. Review this code before starting any regulated work.

Exemptions

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

• Employees working under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor.
• Persons performing work on their own property (residential homeowners).
• Work on private domestic water or sewer systems serving single-family residences (subject to specific conditions).
• Work performed by municipalities or other governmental entities.

Verify your specific situation against the statute, as exemptions have conditions and limitations.

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
• Manasota Key Municipal Code

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