Sewer/Water Licensing in Lake City city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain public or private sewerage or water systems in Lake City must hold a valid Florida contractor license. Work that requires a license includes installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of sewer lines, water mains, treatment systems, and related infrastructure.[^1]

The specific classification depends on the scope of work. Florida law defines "contractor" to include those engaging in the business of constructing, altering, repairing, or improving any building or structure.[^2] For water and sewer work, this extends to underground utilities and pressurized systems.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Determine your classification. Florida law recognizes general contractors and specialty contractors. Water and sewer work may fall under general contractor or plumbing contractor classifications depending on scope.[^1]

  2. Meet experience and education requirements. You must demonstrate competency through work experience, education, or both. Florida law requires proof of four years of experience in the trade during the preceding five years, or equivalent education and experience combinations.[^3]

  3. Pass the state exam. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and pass the appropriate contractor licensing exam.

  4. Register with the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Florida law, processes applications and issues licenses.[^4]

  5. Obtain local Lake City permits. Once licensed, contact the Lake City Building Department to pull permits for specific sewer or water projects in the city.

Local Requirements

Lake City is located in Columbia County. Permit issuance and local code compliance fall under the Lake City Municipal Code. Review the municipal code for local amendments, permit procedures, and impact fees specific to water and sewer work within the city limits.

Contact the Lake City Building Department for current local permit requirements, fees, and any city-specific inspections or approvals required before or after installation.

Exemptions

Persons performing work as a regular employee under direct supervision of a licensed contractor are exempt from individual licensing.[^5] Additionally, certain public utility work performed by municipal employees may be exempt under Florida law.[^1] However, private contractors must always be licensed regardless of the client type.

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

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