Sewer/Water Licensing in Westwood Lakes CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, anyone engaging in the business of installing, servicing, or maintaining potable water systems, wastewater systems, or water treatment equipment must hold a valid state license.[^1] This applies to individuals and contractors operating in Westwood Lakes CDP.

The specific trade classifications under Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board include:

• Water/Wastewater Contractor — persons who construct, install, repair, or maintain public or private water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems
• Medical Gas Contractor — persons installing or servicing medical gas piping systems (separate certification required)[^2]

Work on public water mains, sanitary sewers, stormwater systems, or private potable water/septic systems requires licensure. General laborers and unlicensed assistants may work under direct supervision of a licensed contractor but cannot conduct the licensed work independently.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
2. Meet qualifications as defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which require:
3. Documented experience (typically 4 years in the trade for water/wastewater contractors)
4. Pass the state licensing examination
5. Proof of workers' compensation insurance
6. For Medical Gas work, obtain separate certification under Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 in addition to base contractor licensing.
7. Submit required documentation including a detailed application, proof of experience, and exam passing scores.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board for current application procedures, exam dates, and required documentation lists.

Local Requirements

Westwood Lakes CDP is located in Miami-Dade County. Permit applications and contractor licensing oversight are handled by Miami-Dade County's Building Department.

Before commencing sewer or water work, you must:

1. Obtain a county building permit from Miami-Dade County
2. Verify compliance with the Westwood Lakes Municipal Code — review this ordinance for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law
3. Schedule required inspections with the county upon permit issuance

Contact the Miami-Dade County Building Department for local permit procedures, fees, and inspection scheduling specific to Westwood Lakes CDP.

Exemptions

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

• Homeowners working on their own single-family residence
• Public employees performing work as part of official government duties
• Emergency repairs (though the person performing them cannot advertise as licensed)
• Employees of licensed contractors acting under direct supervision

These exemptions do not eliminate the requirement for local building permits in Westwood Lakes CDP.

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. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification
• Westwood Lakes Municipal Code

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