Sewer/Water Licensing in Carrollwood CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, individuals and contractors performing water and sewer work must hold appropriate state licensure. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "contractor" means any person who undertakes to, offers to, or submits a bid to construct, repair, or improve buildings or structures, including water and sewer systems. Work installing, maintaining, or repairing water lines, sewer lines, or related infrastructure constitutes regulated construction activity requiring licensure under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, regulates these licenses at the state level.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Determine your license classification. Water and sewer work may fall under "Class B Contractor" or "Class C Contractor" depending on scope. Consult the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to confirm the appropriate classification for your specific work.

  2. Meet experience requirements. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 establishes mandatory experience qualifications—typically 4 years of experience in the trade for Class B or 2 years for Class C.

  3. Pass the state licensing exam. You must pass the DBPR examination covering Florida construction law, safety standards, and trade-specific competencies.

  4. Apply through DBPR. Submit your application, proof of experience, exam results, and fees to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Professions.

  5. Obtain your license. Upon approval, you receive your state contractor license number, required on all bids and contracts.

Local Requirements

Carrollwood CDP is located in Hillsborough County. Before beginning water or sewer work, you must obtain a local permit from the Hillsborough County Building Department (not a separate municipal building department, as Carrollwood is an unincorporated community development plan area).

Check the Carrollwood Municipal Code for any additional local amendments, permit application procedures, and fee schedules specific to your project. County-level permitting requirements may apply alongside state licensure.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing, including owner-occupied residential improvements performed by the owner. However, this exemption does not apply to water or sewer line work that affects public systems or crosses property boundaries. Any work on municipal or county water/sewer infrastructure requires a state license.

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)