Sewer/Water Licensing in Pace CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons who design, install, repair, or maintain water and sewer systems serving buildings and structures. Work involving the installation, alteration, repair, or maintenance of potable water systems, wastewater systems, medical gas systems, and backflow prevention devices is regulated under Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board framework.[^1]

The specific definition of regulated work includes any activity involving the construction, installation, or service of water supply systems, sanitary sewer systems, and storm drainage systems as defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

How to Get Licensed

Florida does not issue a single "Sewer/Water" license. Instead, contractors must obtain licenses in specific categories:

1. Determine your contractor category — Common categories include Plumbing Contractor, Water Well Contractor, or Mechanical Contractor, depending on your work scope. See Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for precise definitions.

2. Meet experience and education requirements — Applicants must demonstrate qualifying experience under Fla. Stat. § 489.113. Requirements vary by license type but typically require a combination of documented work experience and classroom hours.

3. Pass the state examination — The Construction Industry Licensing Board administers exams. You must pass both a business and law exam and a trade-specific exam.

4. Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Submit your application, proof of experience, examination results, and fees to DBPR, which oversees the Construction Industry Licensing Board per Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Consult the DBPR website or contact them directly for current examination schedules, application procedures, and fee amounts.

Local Requirements

Pace CDP is located in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Before beginning work:

• Obtain a permit — Contact the Santa Rosa County Building Department or Pace Building Department (if applicable) to pull any required permits for water/sewer work.

• Review Pace Municipal Code — Consult the Pace Municipal Code for local amendments, additional requirements, or permit procedures that may apply beyond state law.

• Verify county requirements — Santa Rosa County may impose additional inspection or permitting requirements; confirm with the county before starting work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain activities from licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by a property owner on his or her own property (in some circumstances)
• Certain maintenance and repair work on existing systems
• Work by employees of licensed contractors under direct supervision

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 in full to confirm whether your specific work qualifies for an 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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105, § 489.107, § 489.113
- Pace Municipal Code — https://library.municode.com/fl/pace-cdp-florida
- Fla. Stat. § 489.103
- Fla. Stat. § 489.1136 (medical gas certification, if applicable)

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