Sewer/Water Licensing in Opa-locka city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to install, construct, repair, or maintain public or private water and sewer systems must hold a valid Class A or Class B Contractor license, or a specialty license in water/sewer work.[^1] This includes work on potable water lines, wastewater collection systems, treatment facilities, and related infrastructure. Work that involves design or engineering of these systems falls under different licensing categories and is not covered here.

How to Get Licensed

Florida licenses water and sewer contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), which operates under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Steps:

1. Meet qualifications: You must have 4 years of verifiable experience in water/sewer construction work (or equivalent classroom/apprenticeship hours). Experience must be documented and verified by your employer or supervisor.[^2]

2. Pass the CILB exam: Register with CILB and pass the appropriate contractor exam covering Florida Building Code, OSHA standards, and water/sewer-specific regulations.

3. Apply for your license: Submit your application to CILB with proof of experience, exam passage, and any required fees. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.

4. Maintain your license: Renew every 2 years and complete continuing education requirements as mandated by the state.

For current exam dates, application forms, and fees, contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board directly through the state DBPR website.

Local Requirements

Opa-locka city requires all contractors—including water and sewer specialists—to obtain a city occupational license before beginning work within city limits.

Permits and inspections must be pulled through the Opa-locka Building Department for any water or sewer work performed in the city.

Refer to the Opa-locka Municipal Code for local licensing fees, permit requirements, and any city-specific amendments to state licensing rules. Check this resource before applying locally, as municipal requirements may exceed state minimums.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida contractor licensing:[^3]

• A property owner performing work on his or her own property (not for sale or lease within 1 year)
• Work performed by employees of licensed contractors under direct supervision
• Employees of municipal or county water authorities performing their job duties
• Emergency repairs necessary to prevent immediate health or safety hazards (though follow-up licensed work may be required)

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 (defining regulated construction and contractor classifications)
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 (qualifications for practice and experience requirements)
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 (exemptions from licensing)

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

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