Sewer/Water Licensing in Aripeka CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, persons who engage in the construction, installation, alteration, or repair of water and sewer systems must hold a license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines regulated water and sewer work, including installation and maintenance of potable water distribution systems and sanitary sewer collection systems.

In Aripeka CDP (population 320, Hernando County), any contractor performing sewer or water work on residential or commercial property must be licensed unless they qualify for a statutory exemption.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board — the state agency that issues water/sewer licenses. [Fla. Stat. § 489.107] establishes the Board's authority and structure.

2. Meet qualification requirements — [Fla. Stat. § 489.113] sets standards for licensure, including:

3. Proof of experience (specific hours or years in the trade, depending on license classification)
4. Passing the state licensing examination

5. Proof of financial responsibility and workers' compensation insurance

6. Obtain a medical gas certification if applicable — [Fla. Stat. § 489.1136] requires separate certification for work involving medical gas systems.

Contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current examination schedules, application forms, and specific experience requirements. The Board's website provides complete licensing procedures.

Local Requirements

Aripeka CDP operates under Hernando County permitting jurisdiction. Before beginning sewer or water work:

• Obtain a local permit through the Hernando County Building Department (or the designated permitting authority for Aripeka CDP)
• Review the Aripeka Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or contractor registration requirements specific to the municipality
• Comply with both state licensing and local permitting — one does not substitute for the other

Contact the Hernando County Building Department or Aripeka Building Department for local permit fees, application procedures, and inspection requirements.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.103] exempts the following from licensing:
- Owners performing work on their own property (with significant limitations)
- Public employees performing work for their government employer
- Work performed under direct supervision of a licensed contractor

Work performed by unlicensed individuals not meeting exemption criteria is illegal and subject to penalties, fines, and project shutdown orders.

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
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification
• Aripeka Municipal Code

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