Sewer/Water Licensing in Hialeah Gardens city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and businesses performing plumbing work involving sewer and water systems. Work that installs, repairs, or maintains water supply lines, drainage systems, and related fixtures in residential or commercial settings constitutes regulated plumbing work under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

The specific scope depends on the type of license held. A Certified Plumber, Certified Plumbing Contractor, or Plumber's Apprentice designation each carries distinct responsibilities. Any person contracting to perform plumbing work must hold the appropriate state license Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board at the state level, not locally Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:
1. Contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board (under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation) for current application procedures and examination schedules.
2. Meet experience requirements: typically 4 years of documented plumbing work experience for a Certified Plumber license, with specific hour minimums Fla. Stat. § 489.113.
3. Pass the state examination covering plumbing codes, installation standards, and safety practices.
4. Submit proof of experience, examination results, and application fees to the state board.
5. Upon approval, receive your Florida state plumbing license.

Apprentices must work under a licensed plumber and complete required classroom hours.

Local Requirements

Hialeah Gardens city requires all licensed plumbers to obtain a local business permit and pull individual job permits through the Hialeah Gardens Building Department before beginning work on sewer and water projects within city limits.

Consult the Hialeah Gardens Municipal Code for local licensing amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, and any city-specific standards that exceed state code.

Contact the Hialeah Gardens Building Department for specific permit procedures, fees, and inspection scheduling.

Exemptions

Certain work is exempt from licensing requirements:

• Owner-occupied residential work: Homeowners performing plumbing work on their own single-family residence Fla. Stat. § 489.103.
• Employees under supervision: Workers performing plumbing tasks under direct supervision of a licensed plumber on the job site (these workers must eventually become licensed if they perform independent work).
• Emergency repairs: Limited emergency repairs to prevent property damage, though licensed follow-up work is typically required Fla. Stat. § 489.103.

Check the municipal code for any additional local 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

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 Gardens Municipal Code

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