Sewer/Water Licensing in Dundee, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for persons who engage in the construction, installation, alteration, or repair of water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "sewer contractor" and "water contractor" are defined as individuals or entities performing work on public or private water distribution systems and sanitary sewer collection systems.

Work that triggers licensing requirements includes:
- Installation or repair of water lines
- Installation or repair of sewer lines
- Alteration of water or sewer connections
- Maintenance of distribution or collection systems

Not all plumbing work requires a sewer/water contractor license; some may fall under plumbing contractor licensing instead. Verify your specific work scope with the state Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. Four years of work experience in sewer or water contracting within the 10 years before application, OR

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by rule

4. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board (state level). Applications are processed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

5. Pass the state examination covering sewer/water contractor knowledge and Florida construction law.

6. Obtain your license and receive your license number.

Once licensed, you must comply with all conditions set forth in Fla. Stat. § 489.113 regarding restrictions on work performance, supervising employees, and maintaining licensure.

Local Requirements

Dundee falls under Polk County jurisdiction for permitting and inspection of construction work. Before beginning any sewer or water project in Dundee:

• Obtain a permit from the Polk County Building Department or the Town of Dundee Building Department (confirm which department handles your jurisdiction)
• Comply with the Dundee Municipal Code — review https://library.municode.com/fl/dundee for any local amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, or additional standards that may apply beyond state law

Contact the Town of Dundee Building Department to confirm local permit procedures and any town-specific requirements.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensing is not required for:
- Homeowners performing work on their own residential property
- Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
- Work performed by utility companies on their own facilities (limited exemptions)
- Certain maintenance activities as defined by rule

Verify your specific work falls within an exemption before proceeding without a 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
• Dundee Municipal Code

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