Sewer/Water Licensing in Mount Dora city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates work involving the installation, repair, and maintenance of water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing construction work related to water and sewer infrastructure must hold a valid state license. This includes plumbing work connected to municipal water and sewer lines, septic system installation and repair, and related underground utility work.

The specific classification depends on the scope of work. Verify whether your work falls under plumbing contractor, water well contractor, or another classified trade under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Determine your trade classification under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 based on the specific work you perform.

  2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

  3. Demonstrate competency through passing a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) exam.
  4. Provide documented work experience (typically 2–4 years in the trade, depending on classification).

  5. Submit an application to DBPR.

  6. Apply to DBPR, not to Mount Dora directly. The Construction Industry Licensing Board, governed under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees state licensure.

  7. Obtain your state license before performing regulated work in Mount Dora.

Local Requirements

Mount Dora city requires contractors to obtain local permits before beginning work. Contact the Mount Dora Building Department to:
- Apply for work permits specific to water/sewer projects.
- Verify local code compliance.

Review the Mount Dora Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional bonding requirements, or inspection procedures that apply beyond state law. Local codes may impose stricter standards or require specific insurance coverage.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements:
- Work performed by homeowners on their own residential property (limited scope).
- Routine maintenance performed by municipal employees.
- Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor (the licensed contractor remains responsible).

Verify your specific activity 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

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