Sewer/Water Licensing in Hilliard, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and contractors engaged in the installation, repair, or maintenance of water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer systems" work is classified as a regulated trade and falls under the Construction Industry Licensing Board's jurisdiction.

Any person contracting to perform water or sewer work in Hilliard must hold an active license issued by the state. This includes both master-level licenses (for those directing work) and contractor licenses (for those performing work under supervision).

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Determine Your License Classification
Review Fla. Stat. § 489.105 to confirm whether you need a master or contractor classification for your intended work scope.

Step 2: Meet Qualifications
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate:
- Requisite work experience in the trade (typically 4 years for master licenses)
- Financial responsibility
- Compliance with all statutory requirements

Step 3: Apply with the Construction Industry Licensing Board
Submit your application through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, processes all applications.

Step 4: Pass the Required Examination
You must pass the state examination for your trade classification. The exam tests knowledge of code compliance, safety, and industry standards.

Step 5: Receive Your License
Once approved, your state license is valid in all Florida municipalities, including Hilliard.

Local Requirements

Hilliard operates under Nassau County jurisdiction for permitting and code enforcement. Before commencing water or sewer work in Hilliard, you must:

  1. Obtain a Local Permit — Contact the Hilliard Building Department to pull permits specific to your project before work begins.

  2. Review the Hilliard Municipal Code — Consult the Hilliard Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional requirements, or specific procedures that may exceed state minimums.

The town may impose additional bonding, inspection schedules, or local compliance standards beyond state licensing requirements.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:
- Property owners performing work on their own residential property (with limitations)
- Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
- Certain utility company employees performing work for their employer
- Federal, state, and local government employees performing work for their respective agencies

Exemptions have strict limitations. Review the statute directly to confirm your specific situation qualifies.

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)