Sewer/Water Licensing in Belleair town, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a license for anyone engaged in the construction, installation, alteration, or repair of water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "water and sewer systems contractor" is defined as a person who contracts to construct, install, alter, or repair water and sewer systems. This includes both potable water lines and sanitary or storm sewer lines serving residential, commercial, or industrial properties.

Work on private well systems, septic systems, or irrigation systems may have different licensing requirements or exemptions. Consult the exemptions section below and contact the Pinellas County building authority for clarification on your specific project type.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing:
Florida issues water and sewer licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), which operates under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To qualify, you must meet experience requirements, pass the CILB examination, and demonstrate financial responsibility.

Fla. Stat. § 489.113 sets the qualifications for practice. You must show documented work experience in water and sewer construction (specific hours vary by classification level) and pass the state exam covering technical knowledge and Florida construction law.

Application Process:
1. Document your work experience in water and sewer installation or repair
2. Apply with the CILB (contact information available through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation)
3. Pass the required examination
4. Obtain workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance
5. Pay the state licensing fee

Local Requirements

Belleair requires contractors to obtain local permits before beginning any water or sewer work. Contact the Belleair Building Department to pull permits for your project and confirm any local amendments to state requirements.

Review the Belleair Municipal Code for local ordinances governing utility work, right-of-way requirements, and permit fees. Local codes may impose additional inspection points or technical standards beyond state minimums.

Pinellas County may also have jurisdiction over certain utility work depending on whether the system connects to county infrastructure. Clarify jurisdiction with the Belleair Building Department before starting work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure, including:
- Work performed by a property owner on their own property (with limitations)
- Work performed by employees of utilities or municipalities on utility-owned systems
- Certain temporary or emergency repairs

Property owners should consult the statute directly or contact the Belleair Building Department to determine whether their specific work qualifies for exemption.

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
• Belleair Municipal Code

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