Sewer/Water Licensing in South Pasadena city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a license for any person who engages in the construction, repair, or installation of water or sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "plumbing" is defined to include the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes, fixtures, and appliances for water supply and sewage disposal.

Work that requires licensing includes:
- Installing or repairing water service lines
- Installing or repairing sewer or septic systems
- Replacing or repairing water meters
- Installation of plumbing fixtures connected to water or sewer lines
- Any work on the internal or external water distribution or sewage systems serving a property

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) oversees plumbing licenses under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must demonstrate:
- Four years of practical experience in plumbing work (or equivalent combination of experience and education), OR
- Completion of an approved apprenticeship program

Step 2: Pass the Examination
You must pass the Florida plumbing license exam administered by CILB, which covers state and local codes.

Step 3: Apply with CILB
Submit your application directly to the Construction Industry Licensing Board with proof of experience, exam passage, and required fees. The state board issues the license, not the local municipality.

Step 4: Obtain Local Permits
Once licensed, contact the South Pasadena Building Department for each specific project. You must pull permits before beginning any work.

Local Requirements

South Pasadena operates under the South Pasadena Municipal Code. Review the South Pasadena Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, inspection schedules, and local licensing fees that may apply in addition to state requirements.

The Building Department can clarify whether the city has adopted additional standards beyond Florida's Plumbing Code or imposes local surety bond requirements.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- A property owner performing work on their own property (not for sale or lease)
- Licensed contractors performing work within their scope of practice
- Public employees acting within their official duties
- Work performed by utility companies on their own systems

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
• South Pasadena Municipal Code

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