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Homeowner Guide

Florida Private Well Guide

Everything you need to know about drilling a private well in Florida. Costs, permits, water testing, and finding a licensed driller.

📅 Updated: December 2025📋 Source: Chapter 62-532, F.A.C.

Cost
$2,500–$10,000+
Timeline
6–12 weeks
Permits
WMD permit required
Drillers
Find in FL
Official Sources:FL DEPFL DOHSWFWMDFind WMD

Well Drilling Costs in Florida

A complete private well system in Florida typically costs $2,500–$10,000+, depending on depth, location, and geology.

2024-2025 Florida well drilling cost estimates
ComponentTypical CostNotes
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–$1,500Depends on depth (hp) and brand (source)
Pressure tank$200–$600Size varies with household demand (source)
Pump/tank installation$800–$2,600Includes pump, tank and labor (source)
Permits & fees~$150+Well construction permit (source)
Bacteria/nitrate tests~$25–$50/testHomeowner-paid at state-certified lab
Total Project$2,500–$10,000+Depth, location, and geology affect final cost
Cost Tip
Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding. Costs vary by depth and geology. South Florida wells are often shallow (<100 ft) and less expensive. Central/north Florida wells may exceed 300 ft, increasing costs.

Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water

Expect 6–12 weeks from your first call to potable water. Permit review is often the longest step.

Typical Florida well drilling timeline
StepDurationNotes
Site evaluation1–2 weeksLicensed driller inspects property, verifies setbacks
Permitting30–60 daysWMD or delegated county reviews application (source)
Drilling & casing1–3 daysDrill, install casing, grout annular space (per Rule 62-532.500)
Pump/tank hookup1–2 daysInstall pump and pressure tank, connect to home
Disinfection & testing1–2 weeksShock chlorinate, flush, collect samples for lab
Well Completion Report1 weekContractor submits to WMD within 30 days (source)
Final clearance1 weekHealth dept/WMD reviews test results, clears for use

Permits & Process

Permit Required
Florida DEP rules require all new wells to be permitted by the appropriate Water Management District (WMD) or delegated local agency before drilling (source).

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.).
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Well Completion Report: After construction, the contractor must submit the state Well Completion Report (DEP Form 62-532.900(2)) to the WMD (source).
  8. 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:

Local Variations
Some counties (Manatee, Sarasota, Marion) issue well permits locally instead of through the WMD (source). Contact your county health department for guidance.

Water Quality

Important
Florida does not mandate routine water quality testing for private wells. However, the Florida Department of Health advises testing annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 years for lead (source).

Recommended Testing

Use Certified Labs Only
Always use a state-certified laboratory for testing. Uncertified labs "may not perform adequate testing or sell you unnecessary treatment equipment" (source). Contact the DOH Bureau of Public Health Laboratories at 904-791-1500 for certified lab listings (source).

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):

DIY vs. Professional
Drilling, major repairs, pump replacement, or any alteration to the well must be done by a licensed contractor (source). Unlicensed work is illegal per F.S. 373.323.

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 →
Finding Contractors
Contact your regional WMD for a list of licensed contractors. SWFWMD hosts an online contractor directory (source). Always verify the driller's license with the WMD before hiring.

Resources & Contacts

Florida DOH – Drinking Water Programs

State drinking water information and guidance

850-245-4240AskEH@flhealth.govVisit Website
Florida DEP – Source Water/Permitting

General DEP inquiries (permits, rules)

850-245-2118Visit Website
Southwest Florida WMD (SWFWMD)

Permitting, contractor licensing (Polk, Hillsborough, etc.)

352-796-7211Visit Website
South Florida WMD (SFWMD)

Permitting & wells in South FL (Miami-Dade, Broward)

561-682-6930Visit Website

Sources & References

View All Sources
Costs & Timeline:
Regulations & Permits:
Water Quality:
Maintenance:

Frequently Asked Questions

A complete well system in Florida typically costs $2,500–$10,000+, depending on depth and geology. Drilling costs average $10–$30 per foot, with additional costs for pump ($400–$1,500), pressure tank ($200–$600), casing, and testing. Permit fees add ~$150.

Yes. All new wells in Florida require a Water Well Construction Permit from the appropriate Water Management District (WMD) or delegated local agency before drilling, per Florida DEP rules Chapter 62-532, F.A.C.

The complete process from planning to potable water typically takes 6–12 weeks. Drilling itself takes 1–3 days, but permitting can add 30–60 days. Water testing and disinfection add another 1–2 weeks.

Florida wells commonly have hard water (limestone aquifers), iron and manganese staining, sulfide (rotten-egg odor), and nitrates near agricultural areas. Some regions have elevated arsenic. Annual testing for coliform bacteria and nitrates is strongly recommended.

Florida law requires licensed water well contractors for all well work. Contact your regional Water Management District (SWFWMD, SFWMD, etc.) for a list of licensed drillers. Always verify the license before hiring.

Are You a Licensed Driller?

Check out our compliance reference for Florida drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.

Florida Driller Compliance Guide →