Sewer/Water Licensing in Richmond West CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who performs or offers to perform sewer or water work must hold a valid license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, unless exempt under state law.[^1] "Sewer and water contractor" work includes installation, maintenance, repair, and alteration of systems that convey or treat sewage and potable water.[^2]

If you plan to perform this work in Richmond West CDP, Miami-Dade County, you must be licensed. Unlicensed practice is a violation of Florida Statute § 489.113.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications

To qualify for a Sewer and Water Contractor license, you must meet one of these criteria under Fla. Stat. § 489.113:
- Four years of experience in sewer and water work within the 10 years preceding application, or
- A combination of technical education and experience as defined by the Construction Industry Licensing Board

Step 2: Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board

Submit your application directly to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The Board administers all licensing for this trade statewide.

Step 3: Pass the Examination

You must pass the Florida construction industry licensing examination for sewer and water contractors. The Board sets exam content and schedules.

Step 4: Obtain Local Permit

After receiving your state license, contact the Richmond West Building Department (Miami-Dade County) to pull any required local permits before beginning work. Local permitting requirements may apply independently of state licensure.

Local Requirements

Richmond West CDP is governed by the Richmond West Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/richmond-west-cdp-florida.

Review this code for local amendments, permit fees, and site-specific requirements that may apply beyond state law. Miami-Dade County regulations may also apply. Contact the Richmond West Building Department to confirm local procedures before beginning work.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:
- Work performed by a property owner on his or her own property (with specific limitations)
- Work performed by a licensed general contractor on the property where the contractor is licensed
- Employees working under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
- Work performed by public utility companies in their licensed service areas

Verify your specific situation qualifies as exempt before proceeding without a license.

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. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
- Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
- Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
- Richmond West Municipal Code

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