Well Construction in Florida

Well Construction

The construction, repair, or abandonment of drinking water wells is typically overseen by the five Water Management Districts (districts). Some of these districts have delegated authority to County Health Departments or other local agencies. Rules are in place to protect the groundwater from contamination and to protect the health of the water users. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has the overall authority to establish water well construction requirements via ss. 373.309, Florida Statutes and has promulgated  statewide water well construction rules which are contained within Chapter 62-532 (see link below) of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). In addition, each District has well construction rules that apply to those specific areas of the state.  

Additional rules for wells drilled within known contamination areas can be found in our Delineated Area page.

LINKS: (all open in a new window)
Florida’s Water Management Districts
Chapter 62-532, FAC - General well permitting, including setbacks
Chapter 40A-3, FAC - Northwest Florida Water Management District Rule
Chapter 40B-3, FAC - Suwannee River Water Management District Rule
Chapter 40C-3, FAC - St Johns River Water Management District Rule
Chapter 40D-3, FAC - Southwest Florida Water Management District Rule
Chapter 40E-3, FAC - South Florida Water Management District Rule

The following County Health Departments are delegated to perform the well permitting program: Baker, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Miami-Dade, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Putnam, St. Lucie, Sarasota,  and Volusia

Interactive map of water well permitting agencies

Map and list of water well permitting agencies (pdf <1mb)