Sewer/Water Licensing in Golden Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons who contract to construct, repair, or maintain potable water systems and wastewater treatment systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing such work must hold appropriate state licensure. The work regulated includes installation, alteration, maintenance, and repair of sewer and water infrastructure serving buildings or facilities.

If you perform this work for compensation in Golden Beach, you must be licensed by the state unless you qualify for a specific exemption.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board, not by Golden Beach or Miami-Dade County.

Steps:

1. Verify your eligibility. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 sets qualifications: you must demonstrate competency through examination and documented work experience. The statute requires proof of at least 4 years of experience in the trade within the 10 years preceding application (specific hours vary by license category).

2. Pass the state exam. You must pass the DBPR's examination covering sewer and water contractor knowledge.

3. Apply to DBPR. Submit your application, work history documentation, and exam results to the Construction Industry Licensing Board through the DBPR. Complete details are in Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

4. Obtain your state license. Once approved, you receive a state construction license valid statewide, including Golden Beach.

Local Requirements

Golden Beach enforces the Golden Beach Municipal Code for construction permitting. Before beginning sewer or water work in town, you must:

• Pull a permit through the Golden Beach Building Department (contact them directly for current procedures and fees)
• Comply with local code amendments — review Golden Beach Municipal Code for any local amendments to state sewer/water contractor requirements

Your state license is required to apply for a local permit, but does not replace local permitting and inspection.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:

• Work performed on your own property (not for compensation)
• Employees of a licensed contractor working under that contractor's supervision
• Work on single-family residential properties performed by the owner-occupant
• Certain utility companies and public agencies performing their statutory functions

An exemption does not eliminate local permitting requirements; verify with the Golden Beach Building Department.

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
• Golden Beach Municipal Code

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