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Florida Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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Water Well Contractor License

Individual statewide license for responsibility for construction, repair, and abandonment of water wells; issued by a water management district. Government employees use this same license. Out-of-state license holders apply through the Florida examination process.

Licensing authority: Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the five Florida Water Management Districts · Application information

Timely biennial renewal without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the District that issued the license no later than expiration; licenses expire July 31 of each odd-numbered year. A timely renewal application extends validity until final agency action (373.324(1); 62-531.330(1)).
Continuing Education
Complete twelve approved continuing education credits in the two-year period immediately preceding July 31; at least six in drilling practices or Florida water well law, and no more than six in health/safety or business/accounting. Provide completion certificates or approved Department/Administrator confirmation (62-531.330(2)-(4)).
Current Address
Include the current address in the renewal application and notify the licensing District of changes within 30 days (62-531.330(1), (9)).
Discipline
No renewal while suspension or revocation remains in effect; comply with outstanding corrective actions, orders, and fines (62-531.330(8)).
Fees
Pay the $50 biennial renewal fee; applicable statutory government-employee fee exemption remains available (373.323(6); 62-531.340).
First Renewal Waiver
The first renewal continuing education requirement is waived when the first license was issued within 180 days before the end of the biennium (373.324(3); 62-531.330(3)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissue after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disciplinary Order
The District determines the contractor has complied with every term and condition of the final disciplinary order. Section 373.333(7) mandates reissue on that determination and specifies no separate licensure examination; the particular final order remains an applicant condition.
Renewal Restriction
A renewal cannot be granted until the suspension or revocation period has expired and outstanding corrective actions, orders, and fines have been satisfied (62-531.330(8)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure of a government employee by examination
Florida Water Well Contractor Examination
Application
Submit the District application; qualifying government employees are exempt from licensure fees.
Application District
Apply and take the examination in the District of residence or principal business; a resident outside Florida applies where most business will occur (373.323(2); 62-531.350(4)).
Changes Before Licensure
Update changed application information within 30 days of the change or upon receipt of the license, whichever is sooner (62-531.300(8)).
Coursework
Complete at least 12 approved coursework hours within the applicable two-year period; at least six relate to drilling technologies, methods, practices, or Florida licensing, permitting and construction law, and no more than six relate to health, safety or business/accounting. Supply certificates or Department/Administrator confirmation (62-531.300(1)-(3)).
Dep Application Instruction
DEP Licensing and Permitting page states: DEP manages the Water Well Construction Program in close coordination with each of the five state regional water management districts (WMD). As required by statute, DEP has delegated to each of the WMD its authority to implement a program for the licensing of water well contractors and for permitting the location, construction, repair and abandonment of water wells. As a result, all persons applying for a water well contractor license to engage in the business of water well contracting or to renew an existing contractor license must file their application with the WMD where they will perform most of their work; however, a contractor license is valid statewide. Additionally, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate WMD or its delegated permitting authority prior to the construction, repair or abandonment of any water well.
Examination Eligibility
The District reviews the application and all other licensing conditions before scheduling. Three opportunities to pass within 12 months of eligibility; otherwise submit a new application and fee (62-531.300(4)).
Experience
At least two years constructing, repairing, or abandoning water wells permitted in Florida as a major activity. Submit an attestation letter from a water well contractor or government-employed well inspector (373.323(3)(b)1).
Experience Implementation
The 2026 statute supplies the controlling experience criteria. Rule 62-531.300(7) also requests three attestation letters and states: (7) As set forth in section 373.323(3), F.S., satisfactory proof of two years experience in the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells shall be demonstrated by providing the following: (a) Evidence of the length of time the applicant has been engaged in the business of the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells as a major activity, as attested to by a letter from three of the following persons: 1. A water well contractor; 2. A water well driller; 3. A water well parts and equipment vendor; or 4. A water well inspector employed by a governmental agency. (b) A list of at least ten water wells that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned within the preceding five years. Of these wells, at least seven must have been constructed, as defined in section 373.303(2), F.S., by the applicant. The list shall also include information relating to the 10 water wells including: 1. The name and address of the owner or owners of each well; 2. The location, primary use, and approximate depth and diameter of each well that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned; and 3. The approximate date the construction, repair, or abandonment of each well was completed.
Government Employment
Applicant is an employee of a political subdivision or governmental entity engaged in water well drilling; must obtain the ordinary license but is exempt from licensure fees (373.323(6); 62-531.340(2)).
Hardship Discretion
The District may exempt one or more requirements only to ameliorate undue hardship without impairing the intent and purpose of Part III (373.326(1)); an exemption must be granted, rather than assumed.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (373.323(3)(a)).
Out Of State License
A license held outside Florida does not transfer into this statewide license; apply under the same examination requirements. SFWMD FAQ states: No. The State of Florida does not have any reciprocal arrangements with other states concerning water well contractor licensing. In order to obtain a State of Florida Water Well Contractor License, a filled in application along with the fee; three letters attesting to the applicant’s experience; the list of wells; and proof of the required 12 Continuing Education Units should be submitted to the appropriate water management district.
Passing Score
Pass the statewide examination with at least 70%; oral administration may be requested from the District (62-531.350(1)-(2)).
Well List
Submit at least ten wells permitted in Florida worked on within the preceding five years, including at least seven constructed by the applicant; include owner names and addresses, location, use, approximate depth and diameter, and completion dates (373.323(3)(b)2).
Initial licensure by examination
Florida Water Well Contractor Examination
Application
Apply on the District form with the nonrefundable $150 fee; regular government employees are exempt from fees (373.323(2), (3)(c), (6); 62-531.340).
Application District
Apply and take the examination in the District of residence or principal business; a resident outside Florida applies where most business will occur (373.323(2); 62-531.350(4)).
Changes Before Licensure
Update changed application information within 30 days of the change or upon receipt of the license, whichever is sooner (62-531.300(8)).
Coursework
Complete at least 12 approved coursework hours within the applicable two-year period; at least six relate to drilling technologies, methods, practices, or Florida licensing, permitting and construction law, and no more than six relate to health, safety or business/accounting. Supply certificates or Department/Administrator confirmation (62-531.300(1)-(3)).
Dep Application Instruction
DEP Licensing and Permitting page states: DEP manages the Water Well Construction Program in close coordination with each of the five state regional water management districts (WMD). As required by statute, DEP has delegated to each of the WMD its authority to implement a program for the licensing of water well contractors and for permitting the location, construction, repair and abandonment of water wells. As a result, all persons applying for a water well contractor license to engage in the business of water well contracting or to renew an existing contractor license must file their application with the WMD where they will perform most of their work; however, a contractor license is valid statewide. Additionally, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate WMD or its delegated permitting authority prior to the construction, repair or abandonment of any water well.
Examination Eligibility
The District reviews the application and all other licensing conditions before scheduling. Three opportunities to pass within 12 months of eligibility; otherwise submit a new application and fee (62-531.300(4)).
Experience
At least two years constructing, repairing, or abandoning water wells permitted in Florida as a major activity. Submit an attestation letter from a water well contractor or government-employed well inspector (373.323(3)(b)1).
Experience Implementation
The 2026 statute supplies the controlling experience criteria. Rule 62-531.300(7) also requests three attestation letters and states: (7) As set forth in section 373.323(3), F.S., satisfactory proof of two years experience in the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells shall be demonstrated by providing the following: (a) Evidence of the length of time the applicant has been engaged in the business of the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells as a major activity, as attested to by a letter from three of the following persons: 1. A water well contractor; 2. A water well driller; 3. A water well parts and equipment vendor; or 4. A water well inspector employed by a governmental agency. (b) A list of at least ten water wells that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned within the preceding five years. Of these wells, at least seven must have been constructed, as defined in section 373.303(2), F.S., by the applicant. The list shall also include information relating to the 10 water wells including: 1. The name and address of the owner or owners of each well; 2. The location, primary use, and approximate depth and diameter of each well that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned; and 3. The approximate date the construction, repair, or abandonment of each well was completed.
Hardship Discretion
The District may exempt one or more requirements only to ameliorate undue hardship without impairing the intent and purpose of Part III (373.326(1)); an exemption must be granted, rather than assumed.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (373.323(3)(a)).
Out Of State License
A license held outside Florida does not transfer into this statewide license; apply under the same examination requirements. SFWMD FAQ states: No. The State of Florida does not have any reciprocal arrangements with other states concerning water well contractor licensing. In order to obtain a State of Florida Water Well Contractor License, a filled in application along with the fee; three letters attesting to the applicant’s experience; the list of wells; and proof of the required 12 Continuing Education Units should be submitted to the appropriate water management district.
Passing Score
Pass the statewide examination with at least 70%; oral administration may be requested from the District (62-531.350(1)-(2)).
Well List
Submit at least ten wells permitted in Florida worked on within the preceding five years, including at least seven constructed by the applicant; include owner names and addresses, location, use, approximate depth and diameter, and completion dates (373.323(3)(b)2).
Late renewal after no more than one year of inactivity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the issuing District under the late-renewal procedure; renewed license expires July 31 of the next odd-numbered year (62-531.360(3)(a)).
Continuing Education
Complete twelve approved continuing education credits in the two-year period immediately preceding July 31; at least six in drilling practices or Florida water well law, and no more than six in health/safety or business/accounting. Provide completion certificates or approved Department/Administrator confirmation (62-531.330(2)-(4)).
Current Address
Include the current address in the renewal application and notify the licensing District of changes within 30 days (62-531.330(1), (9)).
Discipline
No renewal while suspension or revocation remains in effect; comply with outstanding corrective actions, orders, and fines (62-531.330(8)).
Fees
Pay the renewal fee and $75 late fee, subject to applicable government-employee fee exemption (62-531.340).
First Renewal Waiver
The first renewal continuing education requirement is waived when the first license was issued within 180 days before the end of the biennium (373.324(3); 62-531.330(3)).
Inactive Period
License automatically became inactive on the biennial expiration and has been inactive for one year or less; renewal follows 373.324 and 62-531.330 without examination (373.325(1); 62-531.360(3)(a)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal during the statutory military service extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the District that issued the license no later than expiration; licenses expire July 31 of each odd-numbered year. A timely renewal application extends validity until final agency action (373.324(1); 62-531.330(1)).
Continuing Education
Complete twelve approved continuing education credits in the two-year period immediately preceding July 31; at least six in drilling practices or Florida water well law, and no more than six in health/safety or business/accounting. Provide completion certificates or approved Department/Administrator confirmation (62-531.330(2)-(4)).
Current Address
Include the current address in the renewal application and notify the licensing District of changes within 30 days (62-531.330(1), (9)).
Discipline
No renewal while suspension or revocation remains in effect; comply with outstanding corrective actions, orders, and fines (62-531.330(8)).
Fees
Pay the $50 biennial renewal fee; applicable statutory government-employee fee exemption remains available (373.323(6); 62-531.340).
First Renewal Waiver
The first renewal continuing education requirement is waived when the first license was issued within 180 days before the end of the biennium (373.324(3); 62-531.330(3)).
Military Extension
Licensee is a servicemember or spouse, both resident in Florida, with orders taking the servicemember more than 35 miles from home. License remains active during those orders and up to 180 days after return; satisfy normal renewal requirements and provide official orders or commanding-officer verification before the extension ends. No additional late costs if renewed within that period. Source: (7) Notwithstanding the renewal requirements in subsection (3) and s. 250.4815 for members of the Florida National Guard and the United States Armed Forces Reserves, any active water well contractor license issued under this part to a servicemember as defined in s. 250.01 or his or her spouse, both of whom reside in Florida, may not become inactive while the servicemember is serving on military orders which take him or her over 35 miles from his or her residence and shall be considered an active license for up to 180 days after the servicemember returns to his or her Florida residence. If the license renewal requirements are met within the 180-day extension period, the servicemember or his or her spouse may not be charged any additional costs, such as, but not limited to, late fees or delinquency fees, above the normal license fees. This subsection does not waive renewal requirements such as registering, continuing education, and all associated fees. The servicemember must present to the water management district issuing the license a copy of his or her official military orders or a written verification from the member’s commanding officer before the end of the 180-day period in order to qualify for the extension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than one year of inactivity
Florida Water Well Contractor Examination
Application
Apply on the District form with the nonrefundable $150 fee; regular government employees are exempt from fees (373.323(2), (3)(c), (6); 62-531.340).
Application District
Apply and take the examination in the District of residence or principal business; a resident outside Florida applies where most business will occur (373.323(2); 62-531.350(4)).
Changes Before Licensure
Update changed application information within 30 days of the change or upon receipt of the license, whichever is sooner (62-531.300(8)).
Coursework
Complete at least 12 approved coursework hours within the applicable two-year period; at least six relate to drilling technologies, methods, practices, or Florida licensing, permitting and construction law, and no more than six relate to health, safety or business/accounting. Supply certificates or Department/Administrator confirmation (62-531.300(1)-(3)).
Dep Application Instruction
DEP Licensing and Permitting page states: DEP manages the Water Well Construction Program in close coordination with each of the five state regional water management districts (WMD). As required by statute, DEP has delegated to each of the WMD its authority to implement a program for the licensing of water well contractors and for permitting the location, construction, repair and abandonment of water wells. As a result, all persons applying for a water well contractor license to engage in the business of water well contracting or to renew an existing contractor license must file their application with the WMD where they will perform most of their work; however, a contractor license is valid statewide. Additionally, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate WMD or its delegated permitting authority prior to the construction, repair or abandonment of any water well.
Examination Eligibility
The District reviews the application and all other licensing conditions before scheduling. Three opportunities to pass within 12 months of eligibility; otherwise submit a new application and fee (62-531.300(4)).
Experience
At least two years constructing, repairing, or abandoning water wells permitted in Florida as a major activity. Submit an attestation letter from a water well contractor or government-employed well inspector (373.323(3)(b)1).
Experience Implementation
The 2026 statute supplies the controlling experience criteria. Rule 62-531.300(7) also requests three attestation letters and states: (7) As set forth in section 373.323(3), F.S., satisfactory proof of two years experience in the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells shall be demonstrated by providing the following: (a) Evidence of the length of time the applicant has been engaged in the business of the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells as a major activity, as attested to by a letter from three of the following persons: 1. A water well contractor; 2. A water well driller; 3. A water well parts and equipment vendor; or 4. A water well inspector employed by a governmental agency. (b) A list of at least ten water wells that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned within the preceding five years. Of these wells, at least seven must have been constructed, as defined in section 373.303(2), F.S., by the applicant. The list shall also include information relating to the 10 water wells including: 1. The name and address of the owner or owners of each well; 2. The location, primary use, and approximate depth and diameter of each well that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned; and 3. The approximate date the construction, repair, or abandonment of each well was completed.
Hardship Discretion
The District may exempt one or more requirements only to ameliorate undue hardship without impairing the intent and purpose of Part III (373.326(1)); an exemption must be granted, rather than assumed.
Inactive Period
License has been inactive for more than one year after the biennial expiration. Apply again under 373.323 and 62-531.300, including the examination (373.325(2); 62-531.360(3)(b)).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (373.323(3)(a)).
Out Of State License
A license held outside Florida does not transfer into this statewide license; apply under the same examination requirements. SFWMD FAQ states: No. The State of Florida does not have any reciprocal arrangements with other states concerning water well contractor licensing. In order to obtain a State of Florida Water Well Contractor License, a filled in application along with the fee; three letters attesting to the applicant’s experience; the list of wells; and proof of the required 12 Continuing Education Units should be submitted to the appropriate water management district.
Passing Score
Pass the statewide examination with at least 70%; oral administration may be requested from the District (62-531.350(1)-(2)).
Well List
Submit at least ten wells permitted in Florida worked on within the preceding five years, including at least seven constructed by the applicant; include owner names and addresses, location, use, approximate depth and diameter, and completion dates (373.323(3)(b)2).
Initial licensure with a District granted undue hardship exemption
Florida Water Well Contractor Examination
Application
Apply on the District form with the nonrefundable $150 fee; regular government employees are exempt from fees (373.323(2), (3)(c), (6); 62-531.340).
Application District
Apply and take the examination in the District of residence or principal business; a resident outside Florida applies where most business will occur (373.323(2); 62-531.350(4)).
Changes Before Licensure
Update changed application information within 30 days of the change or upon receipt of the license, whichever is sooner (62-531.300(8)).
Coursework
Complete at least 12 approved coursework hours within the applicable two-year period; at least six relate to drilling technologies, methods, practices, or Florida licensing, permitting and construction law, and no more than six relate to health, safety or business/accounting. Supply certificates or Department/Administrator confirmation (62-531.300(1)-(3)).
Dep Application Instruction
DEP Licensing and Permitting page states: DEP manages the Water Well Construction Program in close coordination with each of the five state regional water management districts (WMD). As required by statute, DEP has delegated to each of the WMD its authority to implement a program for the licensing of water well contractors and for permitting the location, construction, repair and abandonment of water wells. As a result, all persons applying for a water well contractor license to engage in the business of water well contracting or to renew an existing contractor license must file their application with the WMD where they will perform most of their work; however, a contractor license is valid statewide. Additionally, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate WMD or its delegated permitting authority prior to the construction, repair or abandonment of any water well.
Examination Eligibility
The District reviews the application and all other licensing conditions before scheduling. Three opportunities to pass within 12 months of eligibility; otherwise submit a new application and fee (62-531.300(4)).
Exemption
The District must find undue hardship and grant the particular exemption. The currently offered licensure examination remains involved; whether this applicant is excused from it or another requirement depends on the exemption. Controlling provision: (1) When the water management district finds that compliance with all requirements of this part would result in undue hardship, an exemption from any one or more such requirements may be granted by the water management district to the extent necessary to ameliorate such undue hardship and to the extent such exemption can be granted without impairing the intent and purpose of this part.
Experience
At least two years constructing, repairing, or abandoning water wells permitted in Florida as a major activity. Submit an attestation letter from a water well contractor or government-employed well inspector (373.323(3)(b)1).
Experience Implementation
The 2026 statute supplies the controlling experience criteria. Rule 62-531.300(7) also requests three attestation letters and states: (7) As set forth in section 373.323(3), F.S., satisfactory proof of two years experience in the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells shall be demonstrated by providing the following: (a) Evidence of the length of time the applicant has been engaged in the business of the construction, repair, or abandonment of water wells as a major activity, as attested to by a letter from three of the following persons: 1. A water well contractor; 2. A water well driller; 3. A water well parts and equipment vendor; or 4. A water well inspector employed by a governmental agency. (b) A list of at least ten water wells that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned within the preceding five years. Of these wells, at least seven must have been constructed, as defined in section 373.303(2), F.S., by the applicant. The list shall also include information relating to the 10 water wells including: 1. The name and address of the owner or owners of each well; 2. The location, primary use, and approximate depth and diameter of each well that the applicant has constructed, repaired, or abandoned; and 3. The approximate date the construction, repair, or abandonment of each well was completed.
Hardship Discretion
The District may exempt one or more requirements only to ameliorate undue hardship without impairing the intent and purpose of Part III (373.326(1)); an exemption must be granted, rather than assumed.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old (373.323(3)(a)).
Out Of State License
A license held outside Florida does not transfer into this statewide license; apply under the same examination requirements. SFWMD FAQ states: No. The State of Florida does not have any reciprocal arrangements with other states concerning water well contractor licensing. In order to obtain a State of Florida Water Well Contractor License, a filled in application along with the fee; three letters attesting to the applicant’s experience; the list of wells; and proof of the required 12 Continuing Education Units should be submitted to the appropriate water management district.
Passing Score
Pass the statewide examination with at least 70%; oral administration may be requested from the District (62-531.350(1)-(2)).
Well List
Submit at least ten wells permitted in Florida worked on within the preceding five years, including at least seven constructed by the applicant; include owner names and addresses, location, use, approximate depth and diameter, and completion dates (373.323(3)(b)2).

Florida Water Well Contractor Examination

Provider
Florida Water Management Districts
Format
Written examination; multiple choice, true or false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. The District may administer this same examination orally on request.
Exam questions
150
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • Rules and Regulations
  • Drilling Methods
  • Business Practices
  • Safety Practices
  • Penalties for Not Following Rules and Regulations
Examination sources