Sewer/Water Licensing in Tallahassee city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and businesses that construct, install, alter, repair, or maintain water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water/sewer contractor" means a person who engages in the business of installing, maintaining, repairing, or altering water supply systems, sewage systems, or both.

Work that triggers licensing requirements includes:
- Installation of water supply lines
- Installation of sanitary or storm sewage systems
- Repairs and alterations to existing water or sewer infrastructure
- Maintenance of these systems for compensation

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a water/sewer contractor license:

  1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113. You must demonstrate four years of verifiable experience in water/sewer work during the five years preceding application.

  2. Pass the examination administered by the state licensing board covering Florida construction law, safety standards, and technical competency in water/sewer systems.

  3. Apply through the state board, not locally. Submit your application, proof of experience, and exam results to the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

  4. Obtain workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance as required by state law before commencing work.

Once licensed at the state level, you may operate in Tallahassee.

Local Requirements

Tallahassee requires that all water and sewer work comply with local permitting and inspection standards. Contact the Tallahassee Building Department to:
- Pull required work permits before beginning any installation or repair
- Arrange inspections at required stages of construction
- Obtain sign-offs on completed work

The Tallahassee Municipal Code governs local amendments to state standards. Review this code for any city-specific requirements on water/sewer installations, connection fees, or design standards that may exceed Florida's baseline regulations.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:
- Property owners performing work on their own residential property (not for profit)
- Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
- Municipal or utility district employees performing work for their employer
- Persons installing only water heaters or certain minor plumbing fixtures (if not part of system installation)

Check the statute for complete exemption language, as some exemptions have conditions.

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

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