Sewer/Water Licensing in Ives Estates CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain public or private water and sewer systems must hold an active license as a Water and Sewer Contractor. This includes work on water mains, sewer lines, treatment systems, and related infrastructure.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "Water and Sewer Contractor" is defined as a contractor whose work involves the installation, maintenance, or repair of water and sewer systems. The Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates this trade under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers licensing through the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

2. Meet qualification requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. Four years of experience in water and sewer contracting work within the 10 years preceding application, OR
4. Equivalent education/apprenticeship plus two years of experience, OR

5. A degree in civil engineering plus two years of experience

6. Pass the Water and Sewer Contractor exam, which covers Florida Statutes § 489, construction safety, and technical competency.

7. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees) and a surety bond as required by state law.

8. Pay the application and licensing fees set by DBPR.

Apply online through the DBPR website or contact DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current fees and exam schedules.

Local Requirements

Ives Estates CDP, located in Miami-Dade County, enforces both state licensing requirements and local ordinances.

Before beginning any sewer or water work, you must:

• Obtain a permit from the Ives Estates Building Department or Miami-Dade County (depending on system jurisdiction—contact the Building Department to confirm).

• Comply with the Ives Estates Municipal Code (https://library.municode.com/fl/ives-estates-cdp-florida). Review the local code for any municipal amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, or additional bonding above state minimums.

Contact the Ives Estates Building Department to determine permit application procedures and any local amendments to state law.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by employees of the owner on the owner's property
• Work performed on single-family residential properties (with limited exceptions)
• Installation or repair of private on-site sewage treatment systems (except when performed as a contractor for hire)
• Certain municipal or governmental employees performing work within their official duties

However, exemptions do not apply if you are contracting publicly or for hire in Ives Estates.

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
• Ives Estates Municipal Code

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