Sewer/Water Licensing in St. Pete Beach city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for anyone who contracts to construct, repair, or install water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "water and sewer contractor" is defined as a person who undertakes to, offers to, purports to, or agrees to construct, repair, or supervise the construction or repair of water or sewer systems for others for compensation.

If you perform this work in St. Pete Beach without a license, you are operating illegally.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Board:
The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under Fla. Stat. § 489.107 oversees water and sewer contractor licensing in Florida.

Step-by-step process:

1. Establish business structure — Apply as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation with the Florida Department of State.

2. Meet qualification requirements — Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must:

3. Have at least 4 years of experience in water/sewer construction in the past 10 years (can include time as an employee), OR
4. Hold an appropriate degree and 2 years of experience in the field

5. Demonstrate financial responsibility and good moral character

6. Pass the state exam — You must pass the CILB licensing examination covering water and sewer installation, repair, and code compliance.

7. Apply with CILB — Submit your application, experience documentation, exam results, and fees directly to the state board.

8. Obtain your license — Once approved, you receive your state contractor license.

Local Requirements

Permits and Inspections:
Work in St. Pete Beach requires a local permit before beginning any project. Contact the St. Pete Beach Building Department to pull permits for water and sewer work. The city enforces permits under the St. Pete Beach Municipal Code.

Review the St. Pete Beach Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or additional requirements beyond state law.

State License Display:
Your CILB license must be displayed at your St. Pete Beach job sites and office as required by state law.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:

• Employees of licensed contractors performing work under direct supervision
• Property owners performing work on their own residential property (not for compensation)
• Utility companies and municipalities performing work on public systems
• Work by engineers and architects when performed as part of design services

A homeowner cannot hire an unlicensed person to perform water/sewer work—the contractor must hold a valid CILB 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
• St. Pete Beach Municipal Code

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