Sewer/Water Licensing in Midway, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain potable water systems, wastewater treatment systems, or sanitary sewer systems must be licensed as a Water and Sewer Contractor or hold an appropriate specialty license under the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) [Fla. Stat. § 489.113].

Work requiring licensure includes installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of water supply lines, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and related infrastructure serving residential, commercial, or public properties.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

  1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers the Construction Industry Licensing Board [Fla. Stat. § 489.107].

  2. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which require:

  3. Proof of four years' experience in water and sewer contracting (or equivalent education/apprenticeship substitution)

  4. Passage of the CILB state examination covering water and sewer systems, plumbing codes, safety, and legal requirements

  5. Submit documentation including proof of experience, application fee, and exam results to DBPR.

  6. Obtain your state license before performing any regulated work in Midway.

Contact DBPR or visit their website for current exam dates, application deadlines, and fees.

Local Requirements

Midway Building Department:
Contact the Midway Building Department for all local permit requirements before beginning work. Midway is located in Gadsden County and operates under its municipal code Midway Municipal Code.

Required actions:
- Pull all permits through the City of Midway Building Department before commencing any sewer or water work
- Review the Midway Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or inspection requirements that exceed state minimums
- Comply with Gadsden County standards for systems serving unincorporated areas adjacent to Midway

Exemptions

Certain work is exempt from licensure [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]:
- Installation or repair of water or sewer lines on a single-family residential property by the owner, provided the owner occupies the property
- Work on private domestic wells or septic systems serving single-family residences (in limited circumstances)
- Public utility employees performing work within their scope of employment for a municipal water or sewer authority

All other commercial, multi-family, or public water and sewer work requires a licensed contractor.

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)