Sewer/Water Licensing in North Miami Beach city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates plumbing work that involves installation, repair, and maintenance of sewer and water systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing plumbing work on sewer and water systems must hold an active, valid license issued by the state. This applies to work on public water mains, private water service lines, sanitary sewer systems, and related fixtures within North Miami Beach city limits.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, which issues all contractor licenses in Florida.

2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. Four years of experience in the trade within the past 10 years, OR
4. A high school diploma/GED plus three years of experience, OR
5. A degree in a related field plus two years of experience

6. Experience must be documented and verifiable

7. Pass the state licensing exam covering plumbing codes, safety standards, and sewer/water regulations.

8. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance and general liability coverage as required by state statute.

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for current exam schedules, application fees, and detailed qualification documentation requirements.

Local Requirements

Permit Authority:
North Miami Beach city issues all construction and plumbing permits through its Building Department. You must obtain a local permit before beginning any sewer or water work within city limits, even with a valid state license.

Municipal Code:
Consult the North Miami Beach Municipal Code for local amendments, permit fees, inspection schedules, and city-specific design standards that may exceed state minimums. Contact the North Miami Beach Building Department to confirm current local code requirements and permit procedures.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• A person performing sewer/water work on property they own, for their own use (homeowner exemption)
• State and federal government employees acting in their official capacity
• Employees of a licensed contractor working under direct supervision of the licensed contractor

Property owners cannot hire unlicensed workers for sewer/water installation or repair—only a licensed contractor can perform this work in North Miami Beach.

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
• North Miami Beach Municipal Code

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