Sewer/Water Licensing in Longboat Key, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates work on public and private sewer and water systems. If you install, maintain, repair, or alter water supply lines, sanitary sewer lines, or reclaimed water systems in Longboat Key, you must hold an active Florida construction license in the appropriate classification.

The specific trades governed are defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and enforced by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Work that requires licensure includes new construction, alterations, repairs, and maintenance of these systems.

How to Get Licensed

1. Determine your license classification. Florida issues licenses for several water/sewer categories. Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.113 to confirm which classification matches your work scope.

2. Meet qualification requirements. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate competency through:

3. Required years of work experience in the trade

4. Passage of the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination

5. Apply through the CILB. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (referenced in Fla. Stat. § 489.107) administers applications and examinations. Submit proof of experience, exam fees, and application materials to the state board—not the town.

6. Obtain your license. Once approved by the state, your license is valid statewide, including in Longboat Key.

Local Requirements

Longboat Key enforces state licensing requirements through its building and development review process. Before performing sewer or water work in town:

• Pull permits through the Longboat Key Building Department. The town requires permits for regulated construction activity.
• Check local amendments in the Longboat Key Municipal Code. Review the municipal code for any local amendments, additional bonding requirements, or town-specific procedures that apply beyond state law.
• Contact the Longboat Key Building Department for local permit procedures and any supplemental local requirements.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by a property owner on their own residential property (with limitations)
• Work performed by employees of public water or sewer utilities
• Certain maintenance activities as defined by statute

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 carefully to confirm your specific activity qualifies for exemption.

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
• Longboat Key Municipal Code

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