Sewer/Water Licensing in Progress Village CDP, Florida
Who Needs a License
Florida law requires licensing for contractors who construct, repair, or install sewerage or water systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing construction work in these trades must hold a valid license issued by the state. This includes work on public or private sewer lines, water mains, septic systems, and related infrastructure.
Work that does NOT require a license falls under specific exemptions (see Exemptions section below).
How to Get Licensed
Licensing for sewer/water contractors is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.
Steps:
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Verify eligibility: Meet the qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires documented experience in the trade, proof of financial responsibility, and good moral character.
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Apply to the state board: Submit an application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Applications require proof of experience (typically 4 years in the trade for most contractor classifications), passing scores on required examinations, and evidence of workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance.
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Pass the licensing exam: You must pass the state-administered examination covering Florida construction law, trade knowledge, and business practices.
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Obtain your license: Upon approval, the board issues a license valid for 2 years.
Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board or visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website for current application procedures and exam schedules.
Local Requirements
In Progress Village CDP, Hillsborough County, you must also comply with local permitting requirements before beginning work.
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Permit authority: Contact the Progress Village or Hillsborough County Building Department to determine which entity has jurisdiction over your specific project and to obtain required construction permits.
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Municipal code: Review the Progress Village Municipal Code for local ordinances governing construction work, permit fees, inspection requirements, and any additional qualifications beyond state law.
Do not begin work until your state license is valid AND local permits are issued.
Exemptions
Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:
- Owners performing work on their own property (not for sale or lease)
- Employees of a licensed contractor working under that contractor's supervision
- Work performed by a municipality or county government
- Minor repair work as defined by statute
Verify your specific project qualifies for an exemption before proceeding without a 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
- 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
- Progress Village Municipal Code
The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)