Sewer/Water Licensing in Ridge Wood Heights CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for anyone who contracts to perform, supervise, or offer to perform water and sewer work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "contractor" means any person who undertakes to, offers to, purports to, or agrees to construct, repair, or improve any building or structure for another for a fixed price, commission, time, materials, or labor.

Sewer and water work falls under the state's construction industry regulation. If you are performing this work for compensation in Ridge Wood Heights, you must be licensed by the state of Florida.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing for sewer and water contractors is issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps to obtain a license:

1. Determine your classification. Florida issues licenses for different construction trades. Confirm whether you need a Class A (General Contractor), Class B (specialty contractor), or specialty license for water/sewer work.

2. Meet qualification requirements. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate competency through:

3. Specified work experience in the trade (typically 4 years for Class B contractors), or

4. Education plus relevant experience (combination varies by license type)

5. Pass the state licensing exam. You must pass the Construction Industry Licensing Board exam for your classification.

6. Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Submit your application, proof of experience/education, and exam results to DBPR, which administers licensing on behalf of the board.

7. Pay applicable fees. State fees apply; check the current fee schedule through DBPR.

For specific guidance on experience requirements and exam details, contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board through DBPR's website or call DBPR directly.

Local Requirements

Ridge Wood Heights CDP is located in Sarasota County, Florida. Before beginning any sewer or water work, you must pull permits from the Sarasota County Building Department or the appropriate local permitting authority serving Ridge Wood Heights.

Check the Ridge Wood Heights Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional permit requirements, or restrictions on sewer and water contractors operating in the community development area.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work and workers from licensing requirements:

• Owner-occupied residential work. A property owner performing work on their own single-family residence may not need a license, with specific exceptions.
• Work by employees. Licensed contractors' employees performing work under direct supervision may not require individual licensure.
• Public utility employees. Employees of licensed water and sewer utilities performing utility work as part of their employment may be exempt.

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.103 directly to confirm whether your specific situation 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

• 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
• Ridge Wood Heights Municipal Code

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