Well Drilling Costs in Florida
Want the full breakdown? See our Florida well drilling cost guide for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
A complete private well system in Florida typically costs $2,500–$10,000+, depending on depth, location, and geology.
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling & labor | $10–$30/ft | ~$1,500–$4,500 for 150 ft well (source) |
| Casing (PVC) | $5–$10/ft | ~$750–$1,500 for 150 ft; steel ~$10–$20/ft (source) |
| Well screen | $100–$300+ | Varies by length/material (source) |
| Submersible pump | $400–$1,500 | Depends on depth (hp) and brand (source) |
| Pressure tank | $200–$600 | Size varies with household demand (source) |
| Pump/tank installation | $800–$2,600 | Includes pump, tank and labor (source) |
| Permits & fees | ~$35–$130 | Well construction permit; varies by district and well type (SWFWMD $50, NWFWMD $35–$100; SWFWMD and NWFWMD fee schedules); delegated counties set their own |
| Bacteria/nitrate tests | ~$25–$50/test | Homeowner-paid at state-certified lab |
| Total Project | $2,500–$10,000+ | Depth, location, and geology affect final cost |
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 6–12 weeks from your first call to potable water. Permit review is often the longest step.
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site evaluation | 1–2 weeks | Licensed driller inspects property, verifies setbacks |
| Permitting | 30–60 days | WMD or delegated county reviews application (source) |
| Drilling & casing | 1–3 days | Drill, install casing, grout annular space (per Rule 62-532.500) |
| Pump/tank hookup | 1–2 days | Install pump and pressure tank, connect to home |
| Disinfection & testing | 1–2 weeks | Shock chlorinate, flush, collect samples for lab |
| Well Completion Report | 1 week | Contractor submits to WMD within 30 days (source) |
| Final clearance | 1 week | Health dept/WMD reviews test results, clears for use |
Permits & Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Site evaluation: Contact a licensed water well contractor. The contractor inspects the property, verifies setbacks (to septic tanks, property lines, etc.), and identifies a drilling location.
- Apply for permit: The driller applies for a Water Well Construction Permit through the appropriate WMD or delegated agency. Some counties issue permits locally (source).
- Permitting review: The district reviews the application against Chapter 62-532, F.A.C. standards. If approved (usually within 30–45 days), the permit is issued to the contractor.
- Drilling and construction: The licensed driller drills the well to the required depth, installs casing and screens, and grouts the annular space for a sanitary seal (per Rule 62-532.500, F.A.C.).
- Equipment installation: A submersible pump, drop-pipe, and wiring are installed at the well bottom; a pressure tank and controls are set up in the home.
- Disinfection & testing: The new well is disinfected (shocked with chlorine) and flushed. Water samples are collected for laboratory testing of coliform bacteria, nitrates, and any other contaminants of concern.
- Well Completion Report: After construction, the contractor must submit the state Well Completion Report (DEP Form 62-532.900(2)) to the WMD (source).
- Final clearance: The local health or WMD office reviews the lab results. If the water meets safety standards, the well is approved for domestic use.
Which Water Management District?
Florida has 5 Water Management Districts. The district you work with depends on your property location:
- Northwest Florida WMD (NWFWMD): Panhandle (Bay, Escambia, etc.) - 850-539-5999
- Suwannee River WMD (SRWMD): North Florida (16 counties) - 386-362-1001
- St. Johns River WMD (SJRWMD): East Florida (Brevard, Nassau) - 386-329-4500
- Southwest Florida WMD (SWFWMD): Central/west FL (Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee) - 352-796-7211
- South Florida WMD (SFWMD): South FL (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) - 561-682-6930
Water Quality
Well water testing in Florida
The Florida Department of Health handles private well water quality in Florida. Florida DOH strongly recommends testing for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year (about $20-40 per sample through your county health department) and lead every three years. Florida has no routine testing mandate, even at home sales.
Not sure what to test for? See our national guide to well water testing or order a certified lab test kit shipped to your door.
Recommended Testing
- New well: Test for coliform bacteria and nitrates before use
- Annually: Total coliform, nitrates
- Every 3 years: Lead (source)
- If in contaminated area: Follow DEP Delineated Areas guidance
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes
Common Florida Water Quality Issues
Hardness & Iron
Almost universal in Florida due to limestone aquifers. Many wells also have elevated manganese and sulfide (rotten-egg odor), especially in shallow wells.
Nitrates
Common near agriculture or high septic density. DOH notes nitrates enter wells from "over-fertilization, livestock and septic systems" (source).
Arsenic
Can occur naturally in some Florida rocks and from historic pesticide use. DEP warns that arsenic "enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural practices" (source).
Sulfide (Rotten Egg)
Hydrogen sulfide from organic-rich soils. Common in shallow surficial wells. Chlorination or oxidizing filters help.
Saltwater Intrusion
Coastal areas may experience high chloride levels if wells tap too deep. Monitor chloride annually in coastal zones.
Delineated Areas
Over 427,000 acres with known contamination (industrial solvents, citrus fumigants) (source). Check DEP map before drilling.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
Florida Department of Health recommends annual water testing (source):
- Test water for coliform bacteria and nitrates
- Inspect and fix any cracks in well cap or concrete pad
- Check pressure tank for proper air charge
- Service filters and softener media per manufacturer instructions
- After flooding: shock chlorinate and retest
Find a Licensed Driller
Florida law requires a State-licensed water well contractor for all well drilling, repair, or abandonment work (source).
Search Licensed Drillers in Florida
Find Drillers Near You →Resources & Contacts
Florida DOH – Drinking Water Programs
State drinking water information and guidance
Florida DEP – Source Water/Permitting
General DEP inquiries (permits, rules)
Southwest Florida WMD (SWFWMD)
Permitting, contractor licensing (Polk, Hillsborough, etc.)
South Florida WMD (SFWMD)
Permitting & wells in South FL (Miami-Dade, Broward)
Sources & References
View All Sources
Costs & Timeline:
Regulations & Permits:
- FL DEP - Water Well Contractor Licensing and Permitting
- SWFWMD - Well Construction Permits
- FL DEP - Well Construction Rules, Forms, and Reference Documents
- F.A.C. 62-6.005 - Onsite Sewage Rules (75 ft setback)
Water Quality:
- FL DOH - Private Well Testing
- FL DEP - Inorganic Contaminants (Arsenic)
- FL DEP - Delineated Contamination Areas
- FL DOH - Environmental Laboratory Certification
Maintenance:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in Florida?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Florida?
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What water quality issues are common in Florida wells?
How do I find a licensed well driller in Florida?
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Florida drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
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