Sewer/Water Licensing in Kissimmee, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a license for anyone who contracts to perform sewer and water work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "sewer and water" is a separately classified construction trade. If you bid, offer to perform, or perform sewer or water construction, installation, repair, or maintenance for compensation, you must hold an active Florida construction license in this classification.

This includes underground utility line installation, connection work, pipe fitting related to sewer and water systems, and related construction activities.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under the Construction Industry Licensing Board established in Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Step-by-step process:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113: You must demonstrate competency through either documented experience or passage of the DBPR examination for sewer and water contractors.
2. Pass the state exam covering Florida construction law, safety, and trade-specific knowledge.
3. Apply to DBPR with proof of qualifications, examination passage, and any required experience documentation.
4. Obtain your license once DBPR approves your application.

Contact DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current exam schedules, application forms, and fees. The state does not issue licenses through local municipal offices.

Local Requirements

Kissimmee requires all contractors to obtain a local building permit before beginning sewer or water work within city limits. Contact the Kissimmee Building Department to pull permits and schedule inspections.

Review the Kissimmee Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, or additional safety requirements specific to the city. Local ordinances may impose inspections, bonding, or insurance requirements beyond state law.

As of this writing, local amendments may exist; verify current requirements directly with the city.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by a property owner on their own property (without offering services to the public for compensation)
• Work performed by public employees for a public agency
• Certain maintenance and repair work performed by utility companies on their own systems
• Work by certified plumbers on plumbing aspects that fall under plumbing licensure rather than general sewer/water contractor work

Check the statute for a complete list of exemptions.

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
• Kissimmee Municipal Code

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