Sewer/Water Licensing in Leesburg city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who undertakes to construct, repair, or supervise the construction or repair of a public or private water or sewer system must hold a license issued by the state [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]. This includes work on potable water supply systems, wastewater treatment and disposal systems, and related infrastructure.

Work that involves design, installation, maintenance, or alteration of water distribution lines, sanitary or storm sewer lines, and their appurtenances requires licensure. The scope is defined in [Fla. Stat. § 489.105], which establishes the legal definitions of contractor classifications and their permitted work.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation [Fla. Stat. § 489.107].

Steps:

  1. Meet qualification requirements under [Fla. Stat. § 489.113], which include:
  2. Proof of experience in water/sewer work (specific hours and duration vary by license classification)
  3. High school diploma or equivalent

  4. Passing score on the state licensing examination

  5. Apply with the state board through DBPR. Submit proof of experience, education, and exam passage.

  6. Pass the state exam covering water/sewer construction practices, codes, and safety standards.

  7. Receive state license from the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Complete current requirements are available at the state board website. Processing timelines vary; contact the board directly for current application status.

Local Requirements

Leesburg permits and inspections are handled by the Leesburg Building Department. While the city operates under Florida state licensing, Leesburg may impose additional local permitting requirements for water and sewer work within city limits.

Refer to the Leesburg Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or permit procedures that exceed state minimum standards. Local amendments may address inspections, materials, or environmental compliance specific to Lake County water systems.

Contact the Leesburg Building Department for:
- Local permit applications
- City-specific design requirements
- Inspection scheduling
- Verification of local code amendments

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.103] establishes exemptions from licensure. Certain maintenance activities, repairs by property owners on their own property, and work by employees of public water systems may be exempt. However, most commercial or public water/sewer work requires a licensed contractor.

Review the statute directly to confirm whether your specific work qualifies for an exemption.

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)