Sewer/Water Licensing in Winter Haven city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who contracts to construct, repair, or maintain sewers or water systems must hold a license unless they qualify for an exemption. Work that requires licensing includes installing, altering, or servicing water distribution lines, sanitary sewers, and related infrastructure. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines these regulated activities within the construction trades.

The specific trade category is "Water and Sewer Contractor" under Florida's construction licensing framework. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113] establishes qualifications for practice and restrictions on unlicensed work.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Florida's state board issues all construction licenses, including water and sewer contractor licenses. [Fla. Stat. § 489.107]

2. Meet qualifications. You must demonstrate competency through a combination of experience and examination. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113] requires proof of:

3. Four years of active experience in water or sewer contracting work (or equivalent education substitution), and

4. Passage of the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board examination covering trade knowledge and legal compliance.

5. Submit application materials. Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application requirements, examination schedules, and fees.

6. Obtain your license before performing regulated work in Winter Haven.

Local Requirements

Winter Haven requires all contractors performing sewer and water work to:

• Pull permits through the Winter Haven Building Department before starting any regulated work
• Comply with Winter Haven Municipal Code regulations specific to construction and utilities

Consult the Winter Haven Municipal Code for local amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, and any additional City standards beyond state law. The Code may impose local bonding, insurance, or contractor registration requirements.

Contact the Winter Haven Building Department for current local permit procedures, fees, and inspection schedules.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing under [Fla. Stat. § 489.103]:

• Work performed by a municipality or county on its own public infrastructure
• Construction on your own single-family residence (owner-builder exemption)
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
• Certain minor repairs or maintenance—consult the statute for specific limitations

Exemptions do not waive local permit requirements in Winter Haven. Even exempt work may require City permits and inspections.

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
• Winter Haven Municipal Code

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