Sewer/Water Licensing in Surfside, Florida

Who Needs a License

Work on public or private sewer and water systems in Surfside requires a state contractor's license under Florida law. Specifically, any person who undertakes to, offers to, or agrees to build, construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any structure or do any work on a sewer or water system must hold an active license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.[^1]

The regulated work includes installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of sewer lines, water lines, treatment systems, and related infrastructure serving residential, commercial, or municipal properties.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing (Required First Step):

Apply through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation). You must:

1. Meet qualifications under Florida Statute § 489.113, which includes documented experience in the sewer/water trade (typically four or more years of practical experience in the last five years)
2. Pass the state licensing examination for your classification
3. Demonstrate financial responsibility and compliance with construction law[^1]

The Construction Industry Licensing Board administers all contractor licensing and examination requirements.[^2]

For specific exam dates, application procedures, and fees, contact the DBPR directly or visit their contractor licensing portal.

Medical Gas Certification (If Applicable):

If your sewer/water work involves medical gas systems, you must also obtain medical gas certification per Florida Statute § 489.1136.[^3]

Local Requirements

Permit and Inspection:

Contact the Surfside Building Department to pull permits before beginning any sewer or water work in town. Surfside enforces municipal codes specific to construction within its jurisdiction.

Review the Surfside Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional bonding requirements, insurance minimums, or local permit fees that may apply beyond state law. Local codes often specify inspection schedules, contractor registration with the municipality, and compliance with town-specific standards.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from contractor licensing under Florida Statute § 489.103:

• Work performed by an owner on their own residential property (with limitations)
• Certain maintenance and repair work that does not constitute construction
• Work performed by employees of municipalities or utilities under direct supervision[^4]

Exemptions are narrowly construed. When in doubt, obtain your 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. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

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