Sewer/Water Licensing in Pine Lakes CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates persons who design, install, repair, or maintain potable water systems and wastewater treatment systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "water contractor" and "wastewater contractor" are defined trades requiring state licensure. Any individual or entity performing these services for compensation in Pine Lakes must hold a valid state license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is handled by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), a division of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Steps:

1. Meet qualifications. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must satisfy experience and education requirements specific to water or wastewater contracting. Requirements vary; applicants typically need documented work experience (usually 4+ years) in the trade.

2. Pass the state exam. You must pass the CILB's trade-specific examination covering Florida construction code, safety, and technical competency.

3. Apply with DBPR. Submit your application, proof of experience, exam results, and applicable fees directly to the Florida DBPR. Application is made at the state level, not locally.

4. Obtain your license. Upon approval, you receive a state contractor's license valid for two years and renewable.

Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.107 for the full scope of the Construction Industry Licensing Board's authority and licensing procedures.

Local Requirements

Pine Lakes CDP is located in Lake County, Florida. Permit issuance and local code compliance fall under Lake County jurisdiction, not a separate municipal department.

Contact Lake County Building Department to obtain required permits before beginning sewer or water work. The contractor must present a valid state license at permit application.

Consult the Pine Lakes Municipal Code for any local amendments, standards, or restrictions on water and wastewater system installation specific to the community. Review this code before submitting permit applications to ensure full compliance.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing requirements:

• Work performed by a homeowner on their own single-family residence
• Work performed by employees of a licensed contractor under direct supervision
• Installation or repair work performed by municipalities or public utilities on public systems
• Minor repairs and maintenance performed by property owners on their own property (subject to statutory limits)

Review the full statute to confirm whether your specific activity qualifies for 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

• 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
• Pine Lakes Municipal Code

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