Sewer/Water Licensing in Dunnellon city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain sewage or water systems in Dunnellon must hold a valid Florida construction license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "sewer contractor" and "water contractor" are separately defined classifications requiring licensure. Work that triggers this requirement includes installation, alteration, maintenance, and repair of public or private sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems, as well as water supply lines and systems serving properties within Dunnellon's jurisdiction.

How to Get Licensed

Florida sewer and water contractor licenses are issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at the state level, not locally.

Step-by-step process:

1. Verify you meet qualifications. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet specific experience requirements (typically four years of full-time experience in sewer or water work, or equivalent combinations of education and experience).

2. Apply with CILB. Submit your application directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, which administers exams and issues licenses statewide.

3. Pass the CILB examination. You must pass the state licensing exam covering Florida construction law, sewer/water codes, and trade-specific knowledge.

4. Obtain your license. Once approved, you receive your state license number and certificate, valid statewide including in Dunnellon.

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.107 for CILB procedures and current application requirements.

Local Requirements

Permits and inspections:
Contact the Dunnellon Building Department to pull all required work permits before beginning any sewer or water project. Dunnellon enforces construction standards through the Dunnellon Municipal Code. Review the Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or inspection procedures that exceed state minimums.

Proof of licensure:
You must provide your current, active Florida CILB license to Dunnellon at permit issuance.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from sewer/water contractor licensing:

• Work performed by employees of a government entity (city, county, state) on government systems
• Work performed by the property owner on their own residential property (limited scope)
• Routine maintenance performed by utility system operators
• Work performed under direct supervision of a licensed sewer or water contractor

Always verify exemption applicability with the Dunnellon Building Department before proceeding without a license.

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
• Dunnellon Municipal Code

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