Sewer/Water Licensing in Berkshire Lakes CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who engages in the business of installing, constructing, altering, or repairing public or private water and sewer systems must obtain a license under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. Work on potable water lines, wastewater collection systems, and related infrastructure falls under regulated construction trades requiring state licensure.

The specific scope is defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which identifies water and sewer contractors as a distinct construction category subject to licensing and regulation by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Apply to the state. Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Construction. You will apply for a Water and Sewer Contractor license.

  2. Meet qualifications. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate:

  3. Proper experience (typically 4 years in the trade within the 5 years preceding application)
  4. Financial responsibility

  5. Honesty, integrity, and fitness to perform the work

  6. Pass the examination. The CILB administers a standardized exam covering Florida construction code, water/sewer systems, and trade-specific regulations.

  7. Documentation. Prepare proof of work experience, references, financial statements, and any relevant certifications or apprenticeship records.

Contact the DBPR's Construction Industries Section directly for current application fees, exam dates, and detailed qualification requirements.

Local Requirements

Berkshire Lakes CDP is located in Collier County, Florida. Permit applications and inspections are handled through the Collier County Building Department, not a municipal office. You must pull permits for water and sewer work at the county level.

Review the Berkshire Lakes Municipal Code for any local amendments, variance procedures, or supplemental standards that may apply to your project. While Berkshire Lakes CDP operates under county jurisdiction for most permitting, local code may contain specific requirements for this trade.

Contact the Collier County Building Department to confirm current permit procedures and any county-specific conditions for sewer and water work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions from licensing. Key exemptions include:
- Work performed by a property owner on their own residential property (single-family, two-family dwelling)
- Work performed by a licensed general contractor using their own license
- Utility company employees performing work within their employment scope
- Certain minor repair and maintenance work as defined in statute

These exemptions are narrow. If you perform water/sewer work for compensation or on property you do not own, licensure is required.

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)