Sewer/Water Licensing in Cedar Key, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, individuals and contractors performing work on sewer and water systems must hold appropriate state licensure. Work that requires a license includes installation, repair, maintenance, and alteration of sewer and water distribution systems, backflow prevention devices, and related infrastructure.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "plumbing" is defined to include the installation, alteration, and repair of all piping, fixtures, and appliances in connection with any of the following systems within or adjacent to any building or premises: water supply, waste removal, venting, medical gas, and fuel gas. This definition encompasses sewer and water work requiring state licensure.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, regulates these trades and enforces licensing requirements.

How to Get Licensed

Applicants must meet qualifications established in Fla. Stat. § 489.113. The specific requirements depend on the license classification sought—typically either plumber or water/sewer contractor.

Steps:

1. Verify you meet experience and education requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113 (which specify hours of practical experience and classroom instruction).
2. Apply with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
3. Pass the state examination covering plumbing code, safety, and technical knowledge.
4. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance and maintain it throughout licensure.
5. Pay applicable state licensing fees.

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or visit the CILB website for current exam dates, fee schedules, and detailed application procedures.

Local Requirements

Cedar Key operates under the Cedar Key Municipal Code. Contractors performing sewer and water work in Cedar Key must also comply with local permit and inspection requirements.

Permitting: Contact the Cedar Key Building Department to obtain local construction permits before beginning work. The municipality requires permits for water and sewer system modifications or installations.

Review the Cedar Key Municipal Code for any additional local requirements, amendment procedures, or utility-specific regulations that may apply to sewer and water work within city limits.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed on residential property by the property owner on their own property (with specific limitations)
• Installation of water softeners, certain water treatment devices, and non-potable water systems under defined conditions
• Work performed by employees of municipalities or government entities on their own infrastructure

However, most commercial or for-hire sewer and water work is not exempt and requires state licensure.

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
• Cedar Key Municipal Code

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