Sewer/Water Licensing in Key West city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a license for anyone who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain sewage or water systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing this work must be licensed. This includes installation, alteration, or repair of pipes, fixtures, or equipment that convey or treat sewage and potable water.

Work that directly connects to or modifies municipal sewer or water lines—or that serves multiple structures—is regulated. Single-family residential repairs on the homeowner's own property may fall under exemptions (see below), but commercial work, multi-unit buildings, and new construction always require licensing.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Verify your classification: Determine whether you need a Water/Sewer/Gas Contractor license under Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

  2. Meet qualification requirements: You must demonstrate competency through:

  3. Four years of paid experience in the trade (verifiable), or
  4. A combination of apprenticeship and work experience as defined in § 489.113

  5. Passage of a state examination covering code, safety, and technical knowledge

  6. Apply to the state board: Submit your application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (Fla. Stat. § 489.107) through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

  7. Obtain the license: Upon approval, you receive a state contractor license that authorizes work statewide, including in Key West.

Do not assume local licensing replaces state licensing—both may be required.

Local Requirements

Key West operates under the Key West Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/key_west. Review this code for:
- Local permit requirements before commencing work
- Site-specific regulations (Key West's unique environmental and infrastructure constraints)
- Inspection procedures and timelines

Contact the Key West Building Department to determine:
- Whether a separate local permit is required for your specific project
- Which inspections are mandatory before and after work
- Any local amendments to state codes that affect sewer/water contractors

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, exemptions include:
- A property owner performing work on their own single-family residential property (not for sale or rent)
- Employees of a licensed contractor working under direct supervision
- Work performed by a municipality or county agency on its own infrastructure
- Minor repairs to plumbing fixtures that do not involve the main sewer or water line

If you are unsure whether your work qualifies for an exemption, consult the Building Department before starting.

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

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