Sewer/Water Licensing in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, individuals performing sewer and water work must hold a license issued under Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes. Sewer and water work falls under the Construction Industry Licensing Board's jurisdiction as a regulated trade.[^1]

Any person who contracts to perform, or offers to perform, sewer or water work—including installation, repair, maintenance, or alteration of sewer and water systems—must be licensed unless they qualify for a statutory exemption.[^1]

How to Get Licensed

Florida licenses sewer and water contractors through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.[^2]

To become licensed, you must:

  1. Qualify through experience or education. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 sets qualification standards, typically requiring a combination of years of experience in the trade and demonstrated competency.[^3]

  2. Pass the CILB examination. The Board administers exams testing knowledge of the trade, Florida building codes, and safety standards.

  3. Apply directly to the CILB. Applications are submitted to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (not the town). The Board processes applications, verifies qualifications, and issues licenses.

  4. Pay applicable fees. License and examination fees apply; current amounts are set by the CILB.

For specific qualification requirements, exam schedules, and application materials, contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.

Local Requirements

Sewer and water work in Bay Harbor Islands must also comply with Bay Harbor Islands Municipal Code.[^4] Before beginning any sewer or water project, contractors must obtain a local permit from the Bay Harbor Islands Building Department. Local ordinances may include additional inspections, design approvals, or procedural requirements beyond state licensing.

Review the Bay Harbor Islands Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, and any town-specific restrictions on sewer and water work.

Contact the Bay Harbor Islands Building Department for permit applications and local compliance details.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 establishes exemptions from licensure. Work performed by an employee under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor may be exempt, depending on the scope of work. Owner-performed work on the owner's residential property may also qualify for exemptions in limited circumstances.[^5]

However, exemptions are narrowly construed. Any work performed as a contractor or for compensation generally requires licensure. Verify your specific situation with the CILB or the Bay Harbor Islands 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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Bay Harbor Islands Municipal Code
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

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