Sewer/Water Licensing in Lake Wales city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain public or private water and sewer systems must hold a license as a Water and Sewer Contractor unless exempt under state law.[^1] This includes work on underground utilities, treatment systems, distribution lines, and related infrastructure.

The state defines "water and sewer contractor" under Florida's construction licensing statutes. If you perform this work for compensation in Lake Wales, you must be licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.[^2]

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Board administers all contractor licenses in Florida, including water and sewer contractors.[^3]

2. Meet qualification requirements. You must demonstrate:

3. Four years of experience in water and sewer contracting work (documented with verifiable records), or

4. An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined in statute[^4]

5. Pass the state licensing exam. The exam covers Florida construction law, industry standards, and trade-specific knowledge.

6. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance as required by state law.

7. Pay the applicable state licensing fee to the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Apply directly to the Board rather than through the city—Florida maintains centralized licensing for all construction trades.[^2]

Local Requirements

Lake Wales requires all construction work, including sewer and water contracting, to comply with Lake Wales Municipal Code.[^5] Before beginning any project:

• Obtain a permit from the Lake Wales Building Department. Contact the Building Department for current permit procedures, required documentation, and fees specific to sewer/water work.
• Verify local amendments in the Lake Wales Municipal Code that may impose additional standards beyond state requirements.

Your Florida state license is mandatory, but Lake Wales may impose local permitting, inspection, or code compliance requirements. Always secure local approval before work begins.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida licensing requirements:[^1]

• Work performed by the owner on their own residential property (excluding rental properties)
• Work performed by a direct employee of a licensed contractor, acting under the contractor's supervision
• Work performed by public employees acting in their official capacity
• Persons engaged in municipal work under direct government employment

An exemption does not eliminate local permitting requirements—check with the Lake Wales Building Department regarding what must be permitted regardless of licensing status.

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^5]: Lake Wales Municipal Code, https://library.municode.com/fl/lake_wales

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