Sewer/Water Licensing in Paradise Heights CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who engages in the construction, repair, or installation of water and sewer systems must hold an active license issued by the State of Florida. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer systems contractor" is a defined classification requiring licensure for work involving the installation, maintenance, or repair of potable water systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems.

Work that requires licensing includes: installing water mains and service lines, constructing sanitary sewer systems, repairing or replacing water or sewer piping, and performing backflow prevention device installation or testing related to public water systems.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet Experience Requirements: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 establishes qualifications for practice. You must document at least four years of experience in water and sewer system construction within the five years immediately preceding application, or satisfy equivalent education and apprenticeship combinations.

2. Pass the Licensing Exam: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, which is established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The Board administers the state licensing examination for water and sewer systems contractors.

3. Submit Application: File your application with the Construction Industry Licensing Board (administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation). Include proof of experience, exam passage, and applicable fees.

4. Obtain Your License: Upon approval, you receive your Florida water and sewer systems contractor license, valid statewide.

Local Requirements

Paradise Heights CDP is located in Orange County, Florida. Before beginning work, you must obtain a local building permit from the Orange County Building Department. Check the Paradise Heights Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional permitting requirements specific to sewer and water work within the jurisdiction.

Contact the Orange County Building Department or Paradise Heights local government offices to confirm current permitting procedures, impact fees, and inspection schedules.

Exemptions

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

• Employees of a licensed contractor working directly under that contractor's supervision
• Work performed on private property by the property owner for their own use (non-commercial)
• Certain repairs and maintenance performed under specific conditions outlined in the statute

Property owners should verify whether their project qualifies for an exemption before proceeding without a licensed contractor.

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
• Paradise Heights Municipal Code

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