Sewer/Water Licensing in Hudson CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, persons who engage in the construction, repair, alteration, or improvement of water and sewer systems are required to hold an active license issued by the state. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer system contractor" means any person who contracts to construct, repair, alter, or improve water and sewer systems. This includes both potable water lines and sanitary sewer lines serving residential, commercial, or industrial properties.

Work that involves connecting properties to municipal water or sewer systems, installing or repairing water service lines, or any work on sewer laterals requires licensing unless a specific exemption applies.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues water and sewer contractor licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a license:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which require documented experience in water and sewer work, typically four years of practical experience.
2. Pass the state exam administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
3. Apply through DBPR with proof of experience, exam passage, and any required documentation.
4. Pay applicable fees to DBPR.

The specific examination content and detailed experience requirements are set by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under state statute. Applicants should contact the DBPR directly for current exam schedules, fee amounts, and detailed application procedures.

Local Requirements

Hudson CDP is located in Pasco County, Florida. Contractors must obtain permits from the appropriate local authority before beginning water or sewer work.

Consult the Hudson Municipal Code for local permitting procedures, inspection requirements, and any additional municipal regulations governing water and sewer work in Hudson CDP. Contact the Hudson Building Department to determine the specific permit application process and any local amendments to state licensing requirements.

Pasco County may also enforce additional standards; verify current requirements with the local building/development authority.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by a property owner on their own residential property (with limitations)
• Maintenance or repair work that does not involve system alteration
• Work performed by employees of water and sewer utilities under direct supervision

However, exemptions are narrowly construed. Contractors should review the full statute to confirm whether specific work qualifies for exemption, as most commercial work and work-for-hire requires a state 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
• Hudson Municipal Code

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