Sewer/Water Licensing in Hialeah city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, individuals and businesses performing sewer and water work must hold appropriate licensure under the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Work that requires licensing includes installation, repair, replacement, or modification of sewer and water systems, including piping, fixtures, and related components.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, the state defines regulated construction work to include plumbing and water/sewer installation. Any person who performs this work for compensation or as part of a business operation must be licensed, unless they qualify for a specific exemption under state law.

How to Get Licensed

1. Determine your license category: Florida issues licenses for plumbers, which covers sewer and water work. There are two primary classifications: journeyman plumber and master plumber. The master plumber license allows you to operate independently and supervise others.

2. Meet qualifications: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must satisfy experience requirements (typically 4 years of documented plumbing experience for a journeyman license) and pass a state-administered examination covering Florida construction law and trade-specific knowledge.

3. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board: Submit your application through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The board reviews qualifications, experience documentation, and exam scores.

4. Pass the licensing exam: The state exam tests knowledge of plumbing codes, safety standards, and Florida Statute § 489.113 requirements.

5. Obtain your license: Once approved, you receive a state license valid for two years.

Local Requirements

Hialeah requires all licensed contractors to pull building permits through the Hialeah Building Department before beginning sewer and water work. All work must comply with local amendments and codes in the Hialeah Municipal Code.

Review the Hialeah Municipal Code for local permit fees, inspection schedules, and any city-specific amendments to state plumbing standards. Contact the Hialeah Building Department for current local requirements and permit applications.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by employees of a licensed contractor under direct supervision
• Property owners performing work on their own residential property (with specific limitations)
• Maintenance and repair work performed by employees of a property's owner or operator

Work performed for compensation, however, requires licensure regardless of the property type.

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
• Hialeah Municipal Code

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