Sewer/Water Licensing in Lakewood Ranch CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates contractors who install, repair, or maintain potable water systems and sanitary sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "Water and Sewer Contractor" is defined as a person who engages in the business of installing, repairing, or maintaining public or private potable water systems, sanitary sewer systems, or both.

If you perform this work for compensation in Lakewood Ranch CDP, you must hold an active Florida Construction Industry License in the Water and Sewer Contractor classification. This applies whether you work on residential, commercial, or municipal systems.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Experience Requirements
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must document four years of experience as a journeyman in water and sewer construction within the ten years before application. Experience may be waived if you hold a relevant four-year degree from an accredited college, plus two additional years of experience.

Step 2: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board
Submit your application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The board administers the state licensing program for all construction trades.

Step 3: Pass the Examination
You must pass the state exam covering water and sewer contractor knowledge and Florida building codes. The CILB administers testing; contact them for exam schedules and content details.

Step 4: Obtain Local Permits
Once licensed at the state level, contact the Lakewood Ranch Building Department to pull permits for specific projects in the CDP. All work must comply with Lakewood Ranch Municipal Code. Review the code for any local amendments, design standards, or inspection requirements beyond state law.

Local Requirements

Permits and inspections for sewer and water work in Lakewood Ranch CDP are managed locally. Review the Lakewood Ranch Municipal Code for local technical standards, connection requirements, backflow prevention mandates, and inspection procedures. Contact the Lakewood Ranch Building Department for specific requirements, fee schedules, and local amendments to state standards.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensing is not required for:

• Installation or repair of appliances that connect to existing water or sewer lines
• Installation of water softeners, filters, or similar treatment devices on single-family homes
• Work performed by employees of water or sewer utilities on their own systems

Read the full statute for additional exemptions that may apply to your work.

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
• Lakewood Ranch Municipal Code

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