Sewer/Water Licensing in Pinellas Park city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who engages in the business of constructing, reconstructing, or repair of water and sewer systems must hold a valid license.[^1] This includes installation, maintenance, and modification of potable water supply systems and sanitary or storm sewer systems serving buildings and structures.

The scope of regulated work is defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which specifies that sewer/water contractors perform work on systems that extend from the public main or private source to and including the point of use for water, or from the building drain to the public main or point of disposal for sewers.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board — The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues all contractor licenses in this field.

2. Meet Qualifications — Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must demonstrate competency through:

3. Four (4) years of verifiable experience in the sewer/water trade as a worker or supervisor, OR

4. Equivalent work experience combined with formal technical training

5. Pass the Licensing Exam — You must pass the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board's examination specific to sewer and water contracting.

6. Submit Application — Apply directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board with proof of experience, exam results, and applicable fees.

Local Requirements

In Pinellas Park, all construction work—including sewer and water projects—requires permits from the City of Pinellas Park Building Department before work begins. Contractors must obtain the city permit and maintain active state licensure simultaneously.

Refer to the Pinellas Park Municipal Code for local building permit procedures, inspection schedules, and any city-specific amendments to state requirements. Contact the Pinellas Park Building Department for current permit fees, required documentation, and inspection timelines.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.103:

• Work performed by an employee of a licensed contractor under direct supervision
• Maintenance and repair of systems within a single family residence by the owner
• Work on water and sewer systems on property owned by federal, state, or local government agencies when performed by government employees
• Certain limited repairs and replacements performed by utility companies

Exemptions do not eliminate local permitting requirements; verify with Pinellas Park Building Department whether your specific work qualifies.

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105, § 489.107, § 489.113
- 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
- Pinellas Park Municipal Code

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