Sewer/Water Licensing in Delray Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain public or private water and sewer systems in Delray Beach must hold a state license issued under Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer systems contractor" is a regulated specialty within the construction trades.

If your work involves installing, modifying, or servicing water distribution lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer systems, or on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems for residential or commercial properties in Delray Beach, you need licensure before you can legally bid, contract, or perform the work.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure (Prerequisite):

Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

To qualify under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must meet experience and examination requirements. For a water and sewer systems contractor license, you typically need:

• Four years of practical experience in the trade (or equivalent combinations of education and experience), and
• Passage of the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination for water and sewer systems contractors.

You must apply to the state board, not the city. The state issues the license; Delray Beach recognizes it for local work.

Local Permitting:

Once licensed by the state, you must obtain a permit from the Delray Beach Building Department for each specific project before work begins. Contact the Delray Beach Building Department for permit application procedures, fees, and inspections.

Local Requirements

Delray Beach follows the Delray Beach Municipal Code for all construction trades. Review the municipal code to confirm any local amendments, additional insurance requirements, or local contractor licensing fees that may apply beyond state licensure.

The City of Delray Beach may require proof of your state license before issuing a local permit. Inspections of water and sewer work are performed by the city's building and utilities inspectors.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing:

• Owners performing work on their own residential property (with limitations)
• Work performed by employees of the property owner on the owner's property
• Work performed by a state or local governmental entity on public property

These exemptions are narrow. When in doubt, obtain licensure before undertaking water or sewer work in Delray Beach.

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
• Delray Beach Municipal Code

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