Sewer/Water Licensing in Key Biscayne village, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to perform work involving the installation, maintenance, or repair of water and sewer systems must hold a valid license under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. This includes work on potable water lines, wastewater collection systems, and related infrastructure. The work is defined as "construction" under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and is regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Application: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which administers licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

2. Qualifications: Meet the requirements in Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:

3. Four years of experience in the sewer/water trade (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
4. Proof of financial responsibility

5. Demonstrated competency through examination

6. Examination: Pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination specific to water and sewer contracting.

7. Licensure Types: You may qualify for a general contractor, specialty contractor (water/sewer), or other classification depending on your scope of work and experience.

Contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board (part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation) for current application procedures and exam schedules.

Local Requirements

In Key Biscayne village, permits for water and sewer work are issued through the Key Biscayne Building Department. You must obtain a building permit before commencing any regulated sewer or water work.

Consult the Key Biscayne Municipal Code for local permitting procedures, inspection requirements, and any municipal amendments to state law. Key Biscayne may impose additional bonding, insurance, or local licensing requirements beyond state law.

Contact the Key Biscayne Building Department for specific local permit fees, application forms, and inspection scheduling.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing:
- Work performed by a property owner on their own property (limited scope)
- Maintenance and repair work performed by employees of governmental agencies
- Work performed under a licensed contractor's direct supervision, if performed by unlicensed employees

Verify exemption eligibility with the Construction Industry Licensing Board, as restrictions apply.

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
• Key Biscayne Municipal Code

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