Sewer/Water Licensing in Virginia Gardens village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person or business installing, maintaining, repairing, or altering water and sewer systems in Virginia Gardens must hold a valid Florida Construction Industry License in the appropriate category. Work on potable water systems, wastewater treatment, and related infrastructure falls under regulated construction trades per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which defines the scope of licensable work in these utility categories.

The specific license classification required depends on the scope of work—whether you're performing plumbing work, water main installation, or sewage system construction. Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.113 for restrictions on the type and scale of work each license classification permits.

How to Get Licensed

1. Determine your license classification based on the type of sewer/water work you perform, per Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

2. Meet experience and education requirements outlined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which specify the hours of practical experience, apprenticeship, or formal education required for your chosen classification.

3. Pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Exam administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). The exam tests knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and trade-specific practices.

4. Apply to the CILB with proof of experience, education, exam passage, and any required continuing education. The CILB, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, is the state board that issues all construction trades licenses in Florida.

5. Obtain your license once approved by the CILB and pay the required fees.

Local Requirements

Virginia Gardens contractors must also comply with local permitting requirements. Contact the Virginia Gardens Building Department to determine:

• Permit application procedures for sewer/water projects
• Local inspection schedules
• Any amendments to state code requirements

Review the Virginia Gardens Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/fl/virginia_gardens for local ordinances that may impose additional standards beyond state law for water and sewer work within village limits.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by government employees acting in their official capacity
• Work on the employee's own residential property (with limitations)
• Certain utility company maintenance performed under state regulatory authority

Check Fla. Stat. § 489.103 for the complete list of exemptions applicable to your situation.

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
• Virginia Gardens Municipal Code

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