Sewer/Water Licensing in Richmond Heights CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who engages in the construction, installation, alteration, or repair of water and sewer systems must hold an active license as a Certified Plumber or Certified Plumbing Contractor, as defined under Fla. Stat. § 489.105. This includes work on potable water lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm drain systems, and related mechanical components that serve buildings or properties in Richmond Heights CDP.

Work that constitutes "practice" under the plumbing trade requires licensure. If you install, modify, or repair water supply or sewer lines—whether new construction or maintenance—you must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, which operates under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:

1. Determine your license class: Certified Plumber (individual technician) or Certified Plumbing Contractor (business entity).

2. Meet experience requirements: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must have documented practical experience in plumbing work. Specific hour and time requirements vary by license class and are set by the CILB.

3. Pass the CILB examination: You must pass the state licensing exam covering plumbing code, safety, and trade practices.

4. Apply through the CILB: Submit your application, proof of experience, exam results, and applicable fees to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

5. Receive your license: Once approved, you receive a license number valid statewide.

More information is available at the CILB or through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which oversees construction licensing.

Local Requirements

Permits for sewer and water work in Richmond Heights CDP are issued by the Miami-Dade County Building Department, as Richmond Heights is an unincorporated census-designated place within Miami-Dade County.

Before beginning work, obtain a construction permit from the county. Present your active Florida plumbing license at permit application.

Review the Richmond Heights Municipal Code for any local amendments, fees, or additional submittal requirements specific to this CDP.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing requirements, including:

• Installation or repair of water and sewer lines by employees of a municipality or water management district when performed on public property or systems
• Minor repairs and maintenance performed by property owners on their own residential property (limited scope)
• Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber

Verify exemption applicability to your specific project; when in doubt, obtain licensure.

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
• Richmond Heights Municipal Code

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