Sewer/Water Licensing in Elfers CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain potable water systems or wastewater collection and treatment systems in Elfers must hold a state-issued license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "water and sewer contractor" is defined as a contractor who engages in the installation, repair, and maintenance of systems for the supply and distribution of potable water or the collection and treatment of wastewater.

Work requiring licensing includes design, installation, modification, repair, and maintenance of water lines, sewer lines, septic systems, grease traps, and related infrastructure. Permit-only work (e.g., replacement of fixtures without system modification) may have exemptions; however, most construction or repair work on the distribution and collection systems themselves requires a licensed contractor.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107 for a Water and Sewer Contractor license.

2. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. At least four years of experience in water and sewer contracting within the 10 years preceding application, or

4. Completion of a trade school or apprenticeship program in water/sewer work plus two years of practical experience.

5. Pass the state exam covering technical knowledge, safety, and code compliance specific to potable water and wastewater systems.

6. Submit proof of business organization and any required certifications (e.g., medical gas certification if applicable under Fla. Stat. § 489.1136).

7. Maintain workers' compensation insurance as required by state law.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board for current application fees, exam dates, and detailed requirements.

Local Requirements

Elfers CDP is located in Pasco County. Before beginning work, contractors must obtain local permits from the Pasco County Building Department (or the appropriate local building authority serving Elfers).

Refer to the Elfers Municipal Code for local land development, zoning, and permitting procedures specific to Elfers. Local amendments may impose additional bonding, insurance, or design approval requirements. Review the municipal code or contact the Elfers Building Department to confirm current local requirements before submitting your state license application or commencing work.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by employees of water and sewer utilities (when working for their employer only)
• Work performed by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer licensed in Florida
• Equipment repairs performed by the manufacturer or their authorized representative
• Other exemptions as specifically listed in the statute

Always verify that your specific work falls within an exemption before proceeding without a license.

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
• Elfers Municipal Code

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