Sewer/Water Licensing in Lake Sarasota CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, persons who construct, repair, or maintain sewer and water systems must hold a license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) unless they fall within a statutory exemption.[^1]

The state defines regulated work to include the installation, repair, alteration, or maintenance of water supply systems and wastewater disposal systems.[^2] This applies to work performed in Lake Sarasota CDP, which is located in unincorporated Sarasota County.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications

To qualify for a sewer/water contractor license, you must:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have at least 4 years of practical experience in the trade within the 10-year period immediately preceding application
- Pass the CILB examination covering trade knowledge and Florida construction law[^3]

Step 2: Apply with the CILB

Submit your application, transcripts, and experience documentation to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). The CILB is the state board responsible for issuing all construction trade licenses under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.[^4]

Step 3: Pass the Examination

You must pass the CILB's trade-specific examination. Examination content covers technical competency and compliance with Florida Statutes § 489.113.[^3]

Step 4: Obtain County and Local Authorization

Once licensed by the state, register with Sarasota County and obtain a local authorization to do business in Lake Sarasota CDP if required by county or municipal policy.

Local Requirements

Lake Sarasota CDP is located in unincorporated Sarasota County. Building permits and contractor licensing at the local level fall under Sarasota County jurisdiction. Contact the Sarasota County Building Department to:
- Obtain required permits for sewer/water work
- Verify any county-specific contractor registration requirements
- Confirm local amendments to state licensing requirements

Review the Lake Sarasota Municipal Code for any local ordinances specific to the CDP that may apply in addition to county and state requirements.

Exemptions

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

• Work performed by employees of utility companies (water authorities, municipal utilities) on their own systems
• Work performed by a homeowner on their own residential property (not for hire)
• Work performed under direct supervision of a licensed contractor

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. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board

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