Sewer/Water Licensing in The Villages CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who engages in the construction, repair, renovation, or maintenance of water or sewer systems must hold a state-issued license unless specifically exempt. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines the scope of regulated work in these trades. Work that constitutes "construction" under state law—including installation, alteration, repair, or addition to water and sewer infrastructure—requires licensure. Unlicensed work in these trades is prohibited.

How to Get Licensed

Florida regulates sewer and water contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), not a local board. To become licensed:

1. Determine your license category. The CILB issues licenses for various contractor classifications. Identify whether you need a general contractor, specialty contractor, or trade license based on your specific work scope. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

2. Meet qualifications. You must satisfy experience and education requirements established by [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]. These typically include a combination of direct work experience and formal training.

3. Pass the CILB exam. The state-administered examination tests knowledge of Florida Building Code, contract law, and trade-specific technical standards.

4. Apply with the CILB. Submit your application directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board with proof of qualifications, exam scores, and required fees. The CILB processes all state licensing; there is no local licensing board in The Villages.

Local Requirements

The Villages CDP operates under Marion County jurisdiction. Before beginning sewer or water work, you must:

• Obtain local permits from the appropriate Marion County permitting authority or The Villages' local building department, depending on project location and scope
• Comply with The Villages Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/the-villages-cdp-florida. Review this code for any local amendments, design standards, or additional requirements beyond state law.

Contact the Marion County Building Department or The Villages Building Department to determine permit requirements specific to your project.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.103] provides exemptions from licensure, including work performed by property owners on their own property (with limitations) and certain utility company employees working for their employer. However, exemptions are narrowly construed. When in doubt, assume licensure is required and verify with the CILB.

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
• The Villages Municipal Code

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