Sewer/Water Licensing in Fort Myers city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates plumbing work that involves installation, repair, or maintenance of water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "plumber" is defined as a person who engages in plumbing work. Any individual or contractor performing plumbing services—including sewer and water line installation, repair, or alteration—must hold a valid state license unless they qualify for a specific exemption.

The work regulated includes: water supply piping, drainage systems, sewage disposal systems, vent piping, and related fixtures. Both new construction and repair/maintenance work require licensing if performed by anyone other than the property owner on their own single-family residence.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (Fla. Stat. § 489.107) oversees plumbing licenses. Follow these steps:

1. Verify qualification: You must meet the experience and education requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113. Typically, this requires:
2. Five years of practical experience in plumbing under a licensed plumber, OR

3. A combination of apprenticeship hours, formal education, and work experience

4. Apply to CILB: Submit your application with proof of experience to Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board. The application can be filed online through the CILB portal or by mail.

5. Pass the exam: You must pass the Florida plumbing license examination administered by the CILB.

6. Receive your license: Once approved and exam results are confirmed, your license is issued by the state.

Local Requirements

In Fort Myers city, all plumbing work also requires a local permit before work begins. Contact the Fort Myers Building Department to pull permits for sewer and water work.

Fort Myers operates under the Fort Myers Municipal Code. Contractors should review the municipal code for any local amendments, inspection requirements, or additional standards beyond state law that may apply to plumbing and sewer/water installations in the city.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• A property owner performing plumbing work on their own single-family residential property
• Work performed by a journeyman or apprentice under direct supervision of a licensed plumber
• Certain maintenance and repair work defined in the statute (consult the statute for specifics)

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
• Fort Myers Municipal Code

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