Sewer/Water Licensing in Everglades city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and businesses performing plumbing work, including sewer and water system installation, repair, and maintenance. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, plumbing is defined as work involving the installation, alteration, or repair of pipes, fixtures, and appliances for the conveyance and use of water and removal of waterborne waste.

Any person or entity performing sewer or water work in Everglades city must hold a valid state license unless specifically exempted under state law.

How to Get Licensed

State Board Issuance:
The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues plumbing licenses in Florida. You do not apply directly to Everglades city or Collier County for the state license.

Steps:
1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which require documented experience in plumbing work (typically 4 years for a journeyperson or equivalent apprenticeship).
2. Apply to the CILB with proof of experience and identification.
3. Pass the state plumbing license exam administered by the CILB.
4. Once licensed at the state level, you may perform work in Everglades city.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current exam dates, fees, and application procedures.

Local Requirements

Once you hold a state plumbing license, you must comply with Everglades city and Collier County local requirements before beginning work:

• Permit Requirement: Contact the Everglades city Building Department to obtain a plumbing permit for each specific project before starting work.
• Local Code: Review the Everglades Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, or additional restrictions beyond state law.
• County Standards: Collier County may impose additional standards. Confirm local permit requirements with the Building Department.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and persons are exempt from licensing:

• Homeowners performing work on their own single-family residence (excluding rental properties).
• Employees of a licensed plumbing contractor, when working under that contractor's supervision.
• Work performed by municipalities and governmental entities on their own infrastructure.

All other sewer and water work requires a valid state plumbing 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
• Everglades Municipal Code

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