Sewer/Water Licensing in Palmetto Bay village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain public or private water and sewer systems in Palmetto Bay must hold a valid Florida Construction Industry License. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer systems contractor" is a regulated classification under the Construction Industry Licensing Board. This includes work on water mains, sewer lines, treatment systems, and related infrastructure serving residential, commercial, or municipal properties.

Owner-performed work on the owner's own property may be exempt from licensing under certain conditions—see Exemptions section below.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Meet Experience Requirements: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must document four years of active experience in water and sewer systems contracting work within the ten years preceding application.

  2. Pass the Licensing Exam: The Construction Industry Licensing Board administers the water and sewer systems contractor exam. You must pass both a business and law portion and a trade knowledge portion.

  3. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Submit your application through DBPR's online licensing portal or by mail, including proof of experience, exam scores, and the application fee. The board that oversees this is the Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

  4. Obtain a Registered Agent: Your license must be issued in the name of a registered agent who meets the same qualifications and supervision requirements.

Local Requirements

Palmetto Bay follows Miami-Dade County permitting procedures. Before beginning any water or sewer work, contractors must obtain a permit from the Palmetto Bay Building Department. Contact the Building Department for specific permit applications, fees, and inspection scheduling.

Review the Palmetto Bay Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional standards beyond state law that may apply to sewer and water work within village limits.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, a property owner performing work on their own property for their own use is exempt from licensing requirements, provided no public payment or consideration is received. This exemption does not apply if the owner is in the business of contracting or if the work is on rental property or property held for sale.

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

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