Sewer/Water Licensing in North Miami city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who engages in the business of installing, constructing, repairing, or maintaining water or sewer systems must hold an active license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.[^1] This includes work on potable water lines, waste water collection systems, and related infrastructure. The specific definition of regulated work appears in Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which categorizes sewer and water contractors among licensed construction trades.[^2]

If you perform sewer or water work in North Miami without proper licensure, you face civil and criminal penalties under state law.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Verify Your Category
Determine whether you qualify as a Certified Contractor, Registered Contractor, or Certified Electrician or Plumber under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which sets qualification standards based on experience, examination, and financial responsibility.[^3]

Step 2: Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
Submit your application through the official state board. The board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, administers all contractor licensing in Florida.[^4]

Step 3: Pass Required Examinations
You must pass the Florida Contractor Certification Examination specific to sewer and water work. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 requires evidence of experience (typically four years of active work in the trade) and successful exam passage.[^3]

Step 4: Obtain Local Clearance
After state approval, contact the North Miami Building Department to register your license locally and obtain a city business tax receipt if required.

Local Requirements

Sewer and water work in North Miami is subject to both state licensing requirements and local permitting under the North Miami Municipal Code.[^5] You must obtain a permit from the North Miami Building Department before beginning any sewer or water installation, repair, or construction.

Review the North Miami Municipal Code for local amendments, permit fees, inspection schedules, and any additional certification requirements specific to the city. The Building Department enforces both state and municipal standards.

All work must comply with Miami-Dade County regulations where applicable.

Exemptions

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

• Emergency repairs necessary to protect public health or safety (with subsequent notification to authorities)
• Work performed by a property owner on their own residential property (limited scope)
• Work performed under direct supervision of a licensed contractor

Consult the statute for complete exemption details, as limitations apply.[^1]

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^5]: North Miami Municipal Code

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