Sewer/Water Licensing in Center Hill city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals and contractors who engage in "construction" as defined by statute, including work on water and sewer systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "construction" encompasses installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of water and sewer infrastructure.

Anyone performing sewer or water work in Center Hill must hold a valid state license unless they qualify for an exemption. This applies to sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations performing this work for compensation.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:

1. Verify you meet qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires proof of experience, passage of a state exam, and compliance with restrictions (e.g., no felony convictions related to fraud or theft).

2. Apply directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. The board sets exam content, experience hour requirements, and renewal procedures.

3. Pass the state licensing exam specific to your trade classification.

4. Pay applicable state licensing and application fees.

5. Maintain active license through renewal and continuing education as required by state law.

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fee structures.

Local Requirements

Center Hill is located in Sumter County and operates under its municipal code. Before beginning any sewer or water work in Center Hill, you must:

1. Obtain a local building permit from the Center Hill Building Department or Sumter County building authority (depending on which has jurisdiction over your project location).

2. Verify local amendments in the Center Hill Municipal Code. Check the code for any local licensing, bonding, or insurance requirements that exceed state minimums.

3. Comply with local inspection requirements before work begins and at completion.

Contact the Center Hill Building Department to confirm permit requirements and local inspection procedures for your specific project.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:

• Property owners performing work on their own residential property (with limitations)
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
• Certain utility company employees performing work for their employer
• Public employees performing construction work for government entities

Check the full text of Fla. Stat. § 489.103 to confirm whether your specific activity qualifies for 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
• Center Hill Municipal Code

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