Sewer/Water Licensing in Sunset CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain water or sewer systems must hold a valid state license unless exempt. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "contractor" means any person who undertakes to, offers to, or purports to construct, repair, or improve any building or structure for another person. Sewer and water work falls within this definition and requires licensure.

The specific license classification for this trade is determined by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. You must obtain a license before performing any sewer or water installation, repair, or maintenance work in Sunset CDP.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers licensing through the Construction Industry Licensing Board per Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

2. Meet qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:

3. Practical experience in the trade (typically 4 years)
4. Classroom hours (typically 144 hours)

5. Passing the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board exam

6. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance, liability insurance, and compliance with Florida law.

7. Pay the applicable state licensing fee.

Contact the DBPR or visit their website for current application procedures, exam schedules, and detailed qualification requirements specific to sewer/water contracting.

Local Requirements

Sunset CDP is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Before performing work, you must:

• Obtain a local permit from the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (or the applicable county building/permitting authority).
• Comply with Sunset Municipal Code requirements. Review the Sunset Municipal Code for any local licensing amendments, permit procedures, or additional restrictions beyond state law.
• Provide proof of your state license when applying for local permits.

Contact the Miami-Dade County building permit office or Sunset CDP administration for specific local permitting procedures and any municipal code amendments.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• Employees of a licensed contractor performing work under direct supervision of that contractor
• Property owners performing work on their own property (though they may still need permits)
• Utility companies performing work on their own systems
• Public agencies performing public works

These exemptions do not eliminate the need for permits or compliance with local code. Verify your specific situation against the statute.

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
• Sunset Municipal Code

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