Sewer/Water Licensing in Florida City, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, persons who engage in the construction, repair, or alteration of sewer and water systems must be licensed under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. "Construction" includes installation, modification, and repair work on water supply lines, sanitary sewer lines, and related infrastructure. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

The specific classification for this work is typically a Certified Plumber or Certified Plumbing Contractor license, depending on whether the individual works for a licensed entity or operates independently. Any person performing this work without a valid Florida license is operating illegally.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet qualifications: You must have a combination of documented work experience and formal education in plumbing or related fields. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]

2. Exam requirements: Pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) exam for your classification (e.g., Certified Plumber, Certified Plumbing Contractor).

3. Application: Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)—the agency that administers CILB. [Fla. Stat. § 489.107] The DBPR processes all state-level licensing.

4. Experience verification: Provide documentation of your work experience, typically 4 years for a Certified Plumber or higher for contractor classifications. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]

Specific exam dates, application fees, and detailed experience requirements are available directly from DBPR.

Local Requirements

In Florida City, permits for sewer and water work must be obtained through the Florida City Building Department. All construction on municipal sewer and water systems or private systems within the city limits requires city permits before work begins.

Refer to the Florida City Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/fl/florida_city for any local amendments, additional permit requirements, or conditions specific to sewer/water work within city limits.

Contact the Florida City Building Department to confirm current permit requirements and fees for your specific project.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• Work performed on systems entirely within a single-family residential property by the property owner. [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]
• Routine maintenance by municipal employees working for a government entity. [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]
• Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor if the worker is an apprentice registered with the state. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]

Any commercial work, multi-family projects, or municipal contract work requires full licensing.

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
• Florida City Municipal Code

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