Sewer/Water Licensing in Sorrento CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, persons engaged in the business of installing, servicing, or maintaining potable water systems, wastewater systems, or related infrastructure must hold an appropriate state license under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. The specific license category depends on the scope of work: plumbing contractors, water treatment contractors, and certain specialized water/sewer work fall under the Construction Industry Licensing Board's jurisdiction.[^1]

The law defines "construction" to include work on water and sewer infrastructure. Any person contracting to perform such work for compensation must be licensed unless they qualify for an exemption.[^2]

How to Get Licensed

1. Determine your license category through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), which administers all construction trade licenses under state law.[^3]

2. Meet qualification requirements, which typically include:

3. Proof of experience in the trade (usually 4 years for most water/sewer trades)
4. Passage of a state licensing exam

5. General contractor or specialty contractor classification, depending on scope[^2]

6. Apply to the CILB (not a local board). Submit proof of experience, exam scores, and applicable fees.

7. Obtain your state license before performing work in Sorrento CDP.

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.113 for specific qualification requirements by license type.

Local Requirements

Sorrento CDP is located in Lake County, Florida. While the state issues the license, you must:

• Obtain permits locally through the Sorrento Building Department before beginning work. Contact the Sorrento Building Department for permit application procedures and fees.

• Comply with Sorrento Municipal Code regarding construction activities, permitting, and inspections. Review the Sorrento Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law.

Lake County may have supplementary codes; confirm with the building department whether county or municipal regulations apply to your specific project.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.103:

• A property owner performing work on their own residential property (not for sale or lease within one year)
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Work performed by municipalities or public utilities on public systems
• Certain specialty work performed under narrow circumstances defined by statute

An individual homeowner installing their own potable water or sewer system is generally exempt; however, permit requirements may still apply locally.

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. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Sorrento Municipal Code

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107

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