Sewer/Water Licensing in Lake Magdalene CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for persons who engage in the construction, repair, or installation of sewage and water systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "sewer and water contractor" means a person who undertakes to, for another, supply labor, material, or both, to install, construct, repair, or maintain sewage or water systems.

Sewer and water work is regulated construction activity under Fla. Stat. § 489.113. If you perform such work for compensation in Lake Magdalene CDP, you must hold the appropriate state license.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing:

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

  2. Meet Qualifications: Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate:

  3. Competency through examination
  4. Financial responsibility

  5. Compliance with all applicable laws

  6. Exam and Experience Requirements: The Construction Industry Licensing Board sets specific experience and education requirements for sewer and water contractor licensure. Contact the DBPR or visit their website for current examination schedules, study materials, and application procedures.

  7. Application: Submit your application directly to DBPR/CILB with proof of qualifications, examination passage, and required fees.

Local Requirements

Permit and Construction Authority:

Lake Magdalene CDP is located in Hillsborough County, Florida. Building permits and construction oversight for sewer and water work are administered through Hillsborough County's permitting system, not a municipal building department, as Lake Magdalene is an unincorporated community development.

Contact the Hillsborough County Building and Development Services to pull permits for sewer and water projects in Lake Magdalene CDP.

Municipal Code Review:

Check the Lake Magdalene Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law. Local code may impose specific installation standards or inspection procedures.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and persons are exempt from licensure:
- Homeowners performing work on their own residential property (not for compensation)
- Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed sewer and water contractor
- Other exemptions specified in § 489.103 (consult the statute for a complete list)

Exemptions are narrow. When in doubt, obtain licensure before performing compensated work.

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)