Sewer/Water Licensing in Chaires CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for individuals and contractors engaged in the installation, repair, alteration, or maintenance of water and sewer systems. Work that constitutes "construction" under Florida Statute § 489.105 — including plumbing, water treatment, and sanitary sewer work — falls under the Construction Industry Licensing Board's jurisdiction and requires proper licensing.

Any person contracting to perform such work in Chaires CDP must hold a valid state license or qualify for an exemption under § 489.103.

How to Get Licensed

State-Level Licensing:

Florida Statute § 489.107 establishes the Construction Industry Licensing Board as the issuing authority. You must:

1. Apply directly to the CILB (contact information available at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website)
2. Meet qualifications per § 489.113, which requires:
3. Proof of experience in the trade (typically 4 years for water/sewer work)
4. A passing score on the CILB examination
5. Demonstration of financial responsibility
6. Pass the state exam covering relevant plumbing and water/sewer codes
7. Maintain continuing education as required by state law

Medical gas certification, if applicable to your work scope, is governed separately under § 489.1136.

Local Requirements

Chaires CDP is located in Leon County, Florida. Before beginning any water or sewer work, you must:

• Obtain a local permit from the Leon County Building Department or the appropriate county authority (contact them directly for current procedures and fees)
• Review the Chaires Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/fl/chaires-cdp-florida for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law

Chaires CDP is an unincorporated community within Leon County, so county regulations apply. Verify with the Leon County Building Department whether local code amendments impose stricter standards than state law.

Exemptions

Per Florida Statute § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Property owners performing work on their own residential property (not for profit or as a business)
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Work performed by public employees of government agencies in their official capacity
• Certain maintenance and repair work of minor scope (consult § 489.103 for specific exclusions)

These exemptions do not apply to work-for-hire or commercial operations, even if performed by the property owner.

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
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification
• Chaires Municipal Code

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