Sewer/Water Licensing in Miami city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person or entity performing work on sewers or water systems in Miami must hold a valid Florida Construction Industry license in the appropriate classification. Under Florida Statute § 489.105, "water management services contractor" and related classifications regulate the installation, maintenance, repair, and alteration of water and sewer systems. Work that modifies, extends, or services public or private water and sewer infrastructure requires licensure. Routine maintenance performed by a property owner on their own residential property may be exempt (see Exemptions below), but commercial work and most service calls require a licensed contractor.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues sewer/water licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under authority of Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The process requires:

1. Determine your classification: Identify whether you need a Water Management Services Contractor license or a related classification under § 489.105.

2. Meet qualifications: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate competency through either:

3. Four years of full-time experience in the trade within the past 10 years, plus passage of the state licensing exam, OR

4. A related degree/diploma plus two years of experience, plus the exam.

5. Pass the state exam: The Construction Industry Licensing Board administers exams covering Florida statute, safety, and technical knowledge.

6. Apply to the state: Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Construction Industry Licensing.

7. Obtain local Miami-Dade County authorization: Once licensed by the state, you may need to register locally. Contact the Miami Building Department for current local registration requirements.

Local Requirements

In Miami city, sewer and water work is governed by both state law and the Miami Municipal Code. Review the Miami Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional bonding requirements, or permit procedures specific to Miami.

Before beginning work, pull a permit through the Miami Building Department. Local permits may require proof of state licensure, general liability insurance, and compliance with Miami-Dade County utility specifications.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure:

• Homeowner exemption: An owner performing work on their own single-family residence (not for resale within one year)
• Utility work: Employees of municipal or county utilities performing their official duties
• Apprentices: Work performed under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Property management: Routine maintenance by an on-site property manager (limited scope)

These exemptions do not apply to work-for-hire or commercial projects.

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
• Miami Municipal Code

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