Permitting Process

Overview

The District issues well permits to ensure that wells are constructed by qualified contractors and meet rigid safety and durability standards – protecting human health and our natural resources.

Who needs a permit?

Any person or entity that wants to construct, repair, modify, or abandon a well, unless exempt by law (under Section 373.326, F.S., or Rule 40A-3.051, F.A.C), is required to obtain the appropriate well permit before starting work. The District does not regulate pumps or tanks.

How do you obtain a permit?

A licensed water well contractor may obtain all permits on behalf of the well owner for the construction, repair, modification, or abandonment of wells from the District. These permits must be obtained before work starts; the District can’t issue a permit after construction, repair, modification, or abandonment of the well has been started.

• Well Permit Application Form

Applications can be entered and managed online through the e-Permitting portal. A list of licensed water well contractors can be found by using the search function and selecting ‘contractor.’

Water Use Permits

Please keep in mind, that in addition to the construction permit, all non-exempt wells also require authorization for use of water.

Exemptions

If a requirement of the Regulation of Wells Rule creates a hardship, the applicant may request an exemption from that rule.  The applicant must state the nature of the hardship, which rule they are seeking relief from, and specify corrective measures to be taken to ensure protection of health and the resource.

What happens after a permit is issued?

Excluding public supply wells, wells requiring water use permits, and artificial recharge well permit applications, the District shall take action within 14 days after receipt of a complete application. After a well permit is issued, the water well contractor has 90 days to construct, repair, modify, or abandon the water well in accordance with the permit.  Any work conducted on the well after 90 days is considered unpermitted activity.

Within 120 days of issuance of a permit, a well completion report shall be filed with the District showing work completed under the permit or cancelling the permit.

If the permit is eligible, the water well contractor may request a 90-day extension for the permit.