Sewer/Water Licensing in Tierra Verde CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain sewers or water systems must hold a valid license unless an exemption applies. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "sewer contractor" and "water contractor" are defined as individuals who engage in the business of installing, repairing, or maintaining these systems for compensation. This includes both new construction and service work on existing infrastructure.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing for sewer and water contractors is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a license:

1. Apply with the CILB — Submit an application through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
2. Meet experience requirements — Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate four years of experience in the trade during the five years preceding application, or equivalent classroom/apprenticeship combinations.
3. Pass the licensing exam — You must pass the CILB examination covering Florida construction law, safety, and trade-specific technical knowledge.
4. Pay application and license fees — Fees vary; contact the DBPR for current amounts.

Applicants must also comply with all restrictions under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, including bonding and insurance requirements.

Local Requirements

Tierra Verde CDP is located in Pinellas County, Florida. Before performing sewer or water work in Tierra Verde, you must:

• Obtain a local permit through the Tierra Verde Building Department or the appropriate Pinellas County authority (requirements vary by jurisdiction within the county).
• Review the Tierra Verde Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/fl/tierra-verde-cdp-florida for any local amendments, design standards, or permitting procedures that may apply beyond state law.

Contact the Tierra Verde Building Department for specific permit requirements, fees, and inspection procedures before beginning work.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by an employee of a licensed contractor (under direct supervision).
• Maintenance and repair of residential property by the property owner.
• Work by public utilities and municipal governments on their own systems.
• Work performed by contractors licensed in other trades, when such work is incidental to their primary trade.

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
• Tierra Verde Municipal Code

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