Sewer/Water Licensing in University CDP (Orange County), Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates contractors who perform construction work involving water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" is a person who undertakes to, offers to, or holds themselves out as being able to construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or structure, or to do any part thereof. Work on sewer and water infrastructure generally requires licensure as a general contractor, water/sewer contractor, or specialty contractor, depending on the scope of work performed.

Fla. Stat. § 489.113 establishes that contractors must be qualified to practice their trade and are subject to restrictions on unlicensed work. Any person contracting to perform sewer or water work without proper licensing is operating in violation of Florida law.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To become licensed, you must:

1. Determine your license classification — water/sewer contractor, general contractor, or other specialty classification based on the work you perform.

2. Meet experience and education requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which vary by license type. Typically, applicants must demonstrate years of practical experience in the trade.

3. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — the state agency that administers contractor licensing.

4. Pass the required examination(s) for your license classification.

5. Obtain a state contractor license before performing any regulated work.

Note: If your work involves medical gas systems, Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 imposes additional certification requirements.

Local Requirements

Permits and inspections for sewer/water work in University CDP are managed through Orange County's permitting system, as University CDP is an unincorporated area of Orange County. Before beginning work, you must pull a permit from the Orange County Building Department.

Consult the University CDP (Orange County) Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, fees, or inspection requirements specific to this jurisdiction. Local code may impose additional standards beyond state law.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work and workers from licensing requirements. Exemptions may include:

• Work performed by a property owner on their own property (with limitations)
• Certain maintenance or repair activities below specified thresholds
• Work performed under direct supervision of a licensed contractor

Review § 489.103 for the complete list and specific conditions of exemptions applicable to your work.

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
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 — Medical gas certification
• University CDP (Orange County) Municipal Code

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