Sewer/Water Licensing in Mary Esther, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain public or private water or sewer systems must hold a valid state license.[^1] This includes work on potable water lines, wastewater collection systems, and related infrastructure. The work is regulated under Florida's construction industry licensing framework, which defines this as a specialty trade requiring state certification.[^2]

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at the state level, not locally.[^3]

Steps:

1. Verify your qualifications. You must meet experience and education requirements set by the CILB. These vary by license classification (contractor, specialty contractor, etc.).[^4]

2. Complete required examinations. The CILB administers exams covering trade knowledge and Florida construction law. You must pass both a core exam and a trade-specific exam.[^4]

3. Apply to the CILB. Submit your application directly to the state board with proof of experience, education, exam scores, and applicable fees. Applications are processed at the state level, not through Mary Esther.

4. Obtain your license. Once approved by the CILB, you receive your state license number.

Contact the CILB or visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website for current exam schedules, application forms, and detailed qualification requirements.

Local Requirements

Once licensed by the state, any sewer or water work in Mary Esther requires a city building permit.

Contact the Mary Esther Building Department to pull permits before beginning work. You will need to present your current state license at permit application.

Refer to the Mary Esther Municipal Code for local building and permitting requirements that may apply to your project. Check this code for any local amendments, design standards, or inspections required by the city beyond state law.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida licensure:[^1]

• Property owners performing work on their own residential property (not for hire)
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Public employees of government agencies performing work within their official duties
• Work performed by utility companies on their own systems

Exemptions do not eliminate the requirement to obtain a city permit before work begins in Mary Esther.

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. § 489.103 — Exemptions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
- Mary Esther Municipal Code

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