Sewer/Water Licensing in Goulds CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain potable water systems, sanitary sewer systems, reclaimed water systems, or stormwater systems in Florida must hold a valid license under the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) framework.[^1] This applies to work performed in Goulds CDP, Miami-Dade County.

The specific contractor license classification for water and sewer work is defined under Florida Statute § 489.105 as work involving installation, maintenance, or repair of water supply and distribution systems or sanitary waste and stormwater collection systems.[^2]

How to Get Licensed

  1. Apply through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. The CILB, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues all contractor licenses in Florida.[^3]

  2. Meet qualification requirements. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate:

  3. Four years of experience in the trade within the past 10 years, OR
  4. A high school diploma/GED plus three years of experience, OR

  5. An associate degree in a related field plus two years of experience[^4]

  6. Pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination. The exam covers code knowledge, business practices, and trade-specific competency.

  7. Submit required documentation including proof of experience, education, identification, and exam results to the CILB.

The CILB processes applications and issues licenses. Applications are submitted through the state, not locally.

Local Requirements

Permit Pull Location: Permits for sewer and water work in Goulds CDP are issued through Miami-Dade County (not a separate municipal office, as Goulds is an unincorporated CDP).

Local Code Review: Check the Goulds Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, or additional standards beyond state law. Miami-Dade County code may also impose requirements on contractor licensing, bonding, or insurance for water/sewer projects.

Contact the Miami-Dade County Building Department to confirm current permitting procedures and any local contractor compliance requirements specific to water and sewer work.

Exemptions

Work is exempt from licensure under Fla. Stat. § 489.103 if:
- The owner performs the work on their own property (owner-builder exemption)[^5]
- The work is performed by utility company employees acting within their employment
- The work qualifies as maintenance or repair that does not alter the system's size or capacity in certain limited cases (review the statute for specifics)

Verify exemption applicability with the CILB or Miami-Dade County Building Department before proceeding without a license.

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

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

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