Sewer/Water Licensing in Medley, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, persons who construct, repair, or install sewers and water systems must hold a Construction Industry License. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "contractor" means any person who undertakes to, offers to, or does construct, repair, or improve any building or structure for others. This includes sewer and water work.

The specific license category for this trade falls under the Construction Industry Licensing Board's regulated trades. Work that modifies, installs, or repairs potable water systems, wastewater systems, and related infrastructure requires licensure unless an exemption applies.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Determine Your License Category
Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to confirm whether you need a General Contractor, Specialty Contractor, or Building Contractor license for your specific sewer/water work.

Step 2: Meet Experience Requirements
Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate four years of experience in the trade within the ten-year period immediately preceding application, or equivalent apprenticeship and classroom hours.

Step 3: Pass the Exam
You must pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination for your license classification. The exam covers state law, building codes, and trade knowledge.

Step 4: Apply to DBPR
Submit your application, proof of experience, exam results, and the required fees to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Processing typically takes 10–15 business days.

Step 5: Maintain Your License
Renew your license every two years and complete continuing education requirements as mandated by state law.

Local Requirements

Medley is located in Miami-Dade County. Before beginning sewer or water work in Medley, you must:

1. Pull Permits from Medley. Contact the Medley Building Department to obtain a construction permit for your project.
2. Comply with the Medley Municipal Code. Review the Medley Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, inspection schedules, and any additional licensing or bonding requirements specific to Medley.
3. Coordinate with Miami-Dade County. Certain sewer and water infrastructure may fall under county jurisdiction; confirm with the Medley Building Department whether your project requires county-level approval.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Work performed by a property owner on their own residential property (owner-builder exemption)
• Work performed by a utility company or municipality on public infrastructure
• Work performed by employees of licensed contractors under direct supervision
• Certain minor repairs and alterations (verify scope with DBPR)

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. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Medley Municipal Code

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