Sewer/Water Licensing in Combee Settlement CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates contractors who install, construct, repair, or maintain public or private water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing such work must hold a valid license unless an exemption applies. The specific classification depends on the scope and nature of the work performed on water distribution or sanitary sewer collection systems.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a license:

1. Verify your classification. Determine whether your work falls under a specific contractor category (e.g., water/sewer contractor, plumber, or general contractor) per Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

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

3. Relevant work experience (typically 4 years for most water/sewer contractor licenses)
4. A passing score on the state licensing exam

5. Good moral character and financial responsibility

6. Apply to the state. Submit your application and fees directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). You must pass the appropriate state exam covering construction law, business practices, and technical trade knowledge.

7. Obtain your license. Once approved by CILB, you will receive your state contractor license.

Local Requirements

Combee Settlement CDP is an unincorporated community in Polk County. You must:

• Pull permits through Polk County. Contact the Polk County Building Department (or relevant permitting authority) to obtain any required permits before beginning water or sewer work in Combee Settlement.

• Check Combee Settlement Municipal Code. Review the Combee Settlement Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or additional restrictions that apply within the CDP boundaries.

• Verify county requirements. Polk County may impose additional permitting, inspection, or bonding requirements beyond state law.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by a property owner on their own property (with limitations)
• Certain utility employees performing work within their scope of employment
• Other exemptions defined in the statute—review the full text for applicability to your situation

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
• Combee Settlement Municipal Code

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