Sewer/Water Licensing in Haines City, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who performs water and sewer work must hold a state license unless exempt. Water and sewer contractors install, maintain, repair, and construct systems that transport potable water and remove wastewater. This work is regulated under Florida's construction licensing framework to protect public health and safety.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "contractor" performing this work must be licensed. The specific classification for sewer and water work falls under the state's regulated construction trades.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:
1. Meet qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:
- Proof of experience in the trade (specific hours and duration vary by classification)
- Passing a state examination administered by CILB
- Compliance with bonding and insurance requirements

  1. Submit an application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which oversees CILB.

  2. Pay applicable state licensing fees.

The CILB sets examination content, experience requirements, and renewal conditions. You must verify current experience hour requirements and exam dates directly with CILB, as these requirements are detailed in the state statutes but subject to board rules.

Local Requirements

Permit Issuance: In Haines City, permits for sewer and water work are issued through the City of Haines City Building Department. You must obtain a local permit before beginning work, in addition to your state license.

Municipal Code: Review the Haines City Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, inspection requirements, and any additional local standards that may apply to water and sewer contractors working within city limits.

Contact the Haines City Building Department for specific permit application procedures, fees, and local compliance requirements.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and persons are exempt from licensing, including:
- Work performed by employees of property owners on their own property (with limitations)
- Utility companies performing work on their own systems
- Public agencies performing work for public systems
- Other exemptions as defined in the statute

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 in full to determine if your specific work qualifies for exemption.

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

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