Sewer/Water Licensing in Kendale Lakes CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who constructs, repairs, or maintains potable water systems or sanitary sewer systems must hold a valid state contractor's license unless they qualify for an exemption.[Fla. Stat. § 489.105] This applies to work performed in Kendale Lakes CDP, located in Miami-Dade County.

The work regulated includes installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of water and sewer lines, connections, and related infrastructure. The specific license classification you need depends on whether you are performing plumbing work (which falls under plumbing contractor licensing) or utility contractor work for larger-scale water/sewer projects.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing for sewer and water contractors is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), a state board.[Fla. Stat. § 489.107]

Step-by-step process:

1. Verify your classification. Determine whether you need a plumbing contractor license or utility contractor license based on the scope of work you perform.

2. Meet qualifications. You must satisfy experience requirements, typically including documented years of active work in the trade, and pass a state examination covering Florida construction law and trade-specific technical knowledge.[Fla. Stat. § 489.113]

3. Submit application to CILB. Apply through the state's licensing system with proof of experience, exam passage, and any required documentation.

4. Obtain your license. Once approved, you receive your state contractor's license number, which is required on all contracts and permits.

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or visit the CILB website for current exam schedules, application fees, and experience documentation requirements.

Local Requirements

Permits for sewer and water work in Kendale Lakes CDP must be obtained through the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (or the applicable county building authority), as Kendale Lakes is an unincorporated census-designated place.

Before beginning work, contractors must pull permits from the county and ensure compliance with local land development codes. Refer to the Kendale Lakes Municipal Code for any local amendments, local contractor registration requirements, or additional permitting steps specific to the CDP.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing requirements under Florida law:[Fla. Stat. § 489.103]

• Property owners performing work on their own residential property (with significant limitations)
• Employees of licensed contractors acting under direct supervision
• Government employees performing work for a public agency
• Work performed entirely outside of Florida

Exemptions are narrowly construed. If you perform any work for compensation or as a business, licensing is required.

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
• Kendale Lakes Municipal Code

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