Sewer/Water Licensing in Miami Shores village, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain water or sewer systems must hold an active license as a contractor in the appropriate classification. This includes installation, alteration, or repair of potable water lines, wastewater lines, and related infrastructure. The work is regulated under Florida Statutes Chapter 489 as construction work requiring licensure.

Unlicensed work in this trade is prohibited and exposes both the contractor and property owner to legal liability.

How to Get Licensed

Florida licenses contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a license for sewer and water work:

1. Determine your classification. You must apply for the specific contractor classification that matches your scope of work (typically "Plumbing Contractor" or "Water/Wastewater Contractor" depending on the work type).

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

3. Four years of experience in the trade (or equivalent education/training)
4. Pass the state licensing exam for your classification
5. Proof of workers' compensation insurance

6. Proof of general liability insurance

7. Apply to CILB. Submit your application directly to the Construction Industry Licensing Board in Tallahassee. The Board processes all state contractor licenses; there is no local application alternative.

8. Pass the exam. You must pass the CILB-administered exam covering Florida construction law, industry standards, and trade-specific practices.

Local Requirements

In Miami Shores village, all construction work—including sewer and water projects—requires a local building permit before work begins. Contact the Miami Shores village Building Department to obtain and file permits.

Review the Miami Shores Municipal Code for any local amendments, fees, inspection schedules, or additional bonding requirements that may apply beyond state law.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain limited work from licensing requirements:

• Work performed by employees of the property owner on their own property (with restrictions)
• Installation of certain minor plumbing fixtures by homeowners on single-family residential property
• Work by government employees acting in their official capacity

However, most sewer and water work performed for compensation requires a license. Verify your specific scope of work against the statute to confirm exemption applicability.

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. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Miami Shores Municipal Code

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