Sewer/Water Licensing in Ona CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who engages in the business of installing, constructing, repairing, or maintaining public or private water and sewer systems must hold a valid license issued by the state. Work that requires licensing includes installation of water supply lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm drainage systems, and related plumbing infrastructure that connects to municipal or private systems.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer contractor" means a contractor whose principal business is the installation of water and sewer lines and appurtenances for the conveyance and treatment of water and sewage. Any person performing this work without proper licensing violates state law.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The board administers examinations and maintains licensure requirements.

Steps to obtain a license:

1. Meet the qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:
2. Four years of experience in the water and sewer contracting trade (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
3. Passing a written examination covering Florida construction law, building codes, and trade-specific knowledge

4. Proof of financial responsibility and workers' compensation insurance

5. Submit your application to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board with supporting documentation of experience and exam results.

6. Upon approval, you receive your state license.

The examination tests knowledge of Florida Statutes Chapter 489, the Florida Building Code, and standards applicable to water and sewer construction.

Local Requirements

Ona CDP is an unincorporated community in Hardee County, Florida. Permit and inspection authority for construction in Ona falls under Hardee County. You must pull permits through the Hardee County Building Department before beginning work.

Review the Ona Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements. Contact the Hardee County Building Department to confirm permit procedures, inspection schedules, and any county-specific standards that apply to water and sewer installations in the Ona area.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts the following from licensing requirements:

• Work performed by employees of a licensed contractor under direct supervision
• Work performed by a municipality or county on its own water and sewer systems
• Installation of domestic water service lines or septic tank systems (in some circumstances, depending on system scope)
• Maintenance work that does not involve construction, alteration, or repair of structural elements

Verify your specific work scope with the Hardee County Building Department to confirm whether an exemption applies.

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

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