Sewer/Water Licensing in Bonita Springs, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who constructs, repairs, or installs sewerage or water systems must hold an active license. Florida Statute § 489.105 defines "sewer and water contractor" as a contractor whose principal business is the installation, repair, or maintenance of public or private sewerage or water systems.

Work requiring licensure includes:
- Installation of water supply lines and systems
- Installation of sewerage lines and systems
- Repair of sewer or water infrastructure
- Maintenance of these systems as a principal business activity

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Florida Statute § 489.107. The process requires:

1. Application: Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers the board.

2. Experience: Demonstrate four years of verifiable experience in sewer and water construction or installation within the ten years preceding application [Fla. Stat. § 489.113].

3. Examination: Pass the Florida sewer and water contractor exam covering relevant code, safety, and technical standards.

4. Fee: Pay the required state licensing fee (fees vary and should be confirmed with DBPR).

5. Renewal: Maintain continuing education requirements as mandated by the board.

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation directly for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees.

Local Requirements

Bonita Springs operates under the Bonita Springs Municipal Code (available at https://library.municode.com/fl/bonita_springs). Before beginning any sewer or water work in Bonita Springs, you must:

• Obtain a local building permit from the Bonita Springs Building Department
• Comply with all municipal code provisions governing utility installation and inspection
• Schedule required inspections through the city before covering any work

Check the Bonita Springs Municipal Code for local amendments, permit fees, and inspection requirements that may exceed state minimums.

Exemptions

Florida Statute § 489.103 exempts the following from licensure:

• Employees of the federal, state, or local government performing their official duties
• Employees of the utility owner working on systems owned by their employer
• Property owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
• Work on single-family residential property by the owner-occupant

However, exemptions are narrowly applied. Any work performed for compensation or as a business operation requires licensing.

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
• Bonita Springs Municipal Code

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