Sewer/Water Licensing in Lely CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a license for individuals who perform sewer and water work that constitutes "construction" as defined by statute. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, construction includes installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of water and sewer systems. Anyone contracting to perform this work in Lely CDP must hold a valid Florida Construction Industry License or fall within an exemption.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board classifies sewer and water work under specific contractor categories. Work that modifies, installs, or repairs water distribution lines, sanitary sewer lines, or storm drainage systems typically requires licensure.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Step 1: Determine your contractor classification. Sewer and water work may fall under general contractor, mechanical contractor, or specialty contractor categories depending on scope.

Step 2: Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113. You must demonstrate either relevant work experience (typically 4 years in the trade) or complete an approved trade school program, depending on license type.

Step 3: Pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Exam for your classification.

Step 4: Apply directly to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The state board issues all licenses; Lely CDP does not issue contractor licenses.

Step 5: Once licensed, register as a contractor in Collier County if required by county policy.

Local Requirements

Lely CDP is an unincorporated community in Collier County. Permitting and local code compliance fall under Collier County jurisdiction. Contact the Collier County Building Department to pull permits for sewer and water work in Lely CDP.

Check the Lely Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or additional requirements specific to the community development district. Local amendments may impose stricter standards than state law allows.

All work must comply with both Florida Statutes and applicable Collier County ordinances.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing. Exemptions include work performed by employees of government agencies, public utilities, and property owners performing work on their own residential property (with limitations). Property owners performing repairs on property they own may not be required to hold a license, but verify current exemption language in the statute before proceeding.

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
• Lely Municipal Code

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