Sewer/Water Licensing in The Acreage CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Work involving the installation, repair, or maintenance of sewer and water systems in The Acreage is regulated under Florida Statutes Chapter 489. Any person contracting to perform such work must hold a valid license as a "Water and Sewer Contractor" or equivalent certification issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, construction work includes the installation of pipes, fixtures, and systems that deliver or remove water and sewage. If you are performing this work for compensation—whether as a sole proprietor, corporation, or partnership—you need licensure.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet qualifications: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must demonstrate competency through either experience or education combined with examination.

2. Apply to CILB: The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, processes all contractor licenses in Florida. Apply through the CILB's official channel; contact the board directly for current application procedures and fees.

3. Pass the exam: You must pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination covering sewer/water contractor work, laws, and standards.

4. Provide proof of experience or education: Typically, you need 4 years of documented experience in the trade or a combination of vocational education and work experience, depending on the license classification.

Local Requirements

The Acreage CDP is located in Palm Beach County. Permits and inspections for sewer/water work are issued through the Palm Beach County Building Department, not a municipal building office, as The Acreage is an unincorporated community development.

Review The Acreage Municipal Code for any local amendments or supplemental requirements. Contact the Palm Beach County Building Department to confirm permit fees, application procedures, and inspection schedules specific to The Acreage.

Medical gas installation work requires additional certification under Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 if applicable to your scope.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensing is not required for:

• Work performed on your own property (owner-builder exemption)
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
• Certain minor repairs classified as maintenance rather than construction

Review the statute to confirm your specific work falls within an exemption; when in doubt, apply for licensure.

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
• The Acreage Municipal Code

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