Sewer/Water Licensing in Manatee Road CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, persons who construct, repair, or maintain public or private water and sewer systems must hold a license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer systems contractor" means a person who undertakes for compensation the installation, repair, or maintenance of water and sewer lines and associated components.

Work that triggers licensing requirements includes:
- Installation of water distribution lines
- Installation of sanitary or storm sewer lines
- Repair and maintenance of existing water or sewer systems
- Backflow prevention device installation and testing (may require additional Medical Gas Certification under Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 in certain contexts)

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board — The state board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, administers all contractor licenses in Florida, including water and sewer systems contractors.

2. Meet Qualifications — Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must:

3. Demonstrate competency through examination
4. Provide proof of four years of experience in water and sewer systems work (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
5. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance

6. Provide a current Florida resident agent or employer if operating as a corporation or partnership

7. Pass the Licensing Exam — You must pass the Construction Industry Licensing Board examination covering water and sewer systems contractor practices, trade knowledge, and Florida law.

8. Submit Application — Contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application procedures, fees, and exam schedules.

Local Requirements

Manatee Road CDP is located in Levy County. Work performed in the CDP is subject to local permitting and code compliance.

Permit Issuance: Contact the Levy County Building Department or the Manatee Road Building Official to pull permits for water and sewer work. They will direct you to the appropriate permitting authority and advise on any local amendments.

Local Code: Review the Manatee Road Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law. Local code may impose stricter standards, inspection protocols, or material specifications.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- Homeowners performing work on their own residential property (not for compensation)
- Employees of licensed contractors acting under direct supervision
- Public employees performing work for a government entity
- Work performed by utility companies on their own water or sewer lines

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
• Manatee Road Municipal Code

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