Well Construction Permits

The rules in Chapter 40D-3, F.A.C. govern the construction of water wells and water well contractor licensing, and implement the provisions of Part III of Chapter 373, Florida Statutes. These rules are adopted to ensure that all water wells, soil borings and foundation holes within the District are located, constructed, maintained, used, and abandoned in a manner that protects the water resources.

Local agencies in Manatee, Sarasota, and Marion counties issue well construction permits within their respective county boundaries. If required, a Water Use Permit must first be obtained from the District before these agencies can issue a Well Construction Permit. Contact the Manatee Environmental Management Department, Sarasota County Health Department, or Marion County Health Department for more information.

Forms

• Application for a Water Well Contractor’s License (LEG-R.003.01 (April 2009) 40D-3.037(5))
• Application for Renewal of Water Well Contractor’s License (LEG-R.004.02 (April 2009) 40D-3.037(5))

Forms

Some paper forms are still required until the ePermitting transition is complete. Please note: Data typed into these forms cannot be saved using free PDF-reader software. Please print your completed form if you would like a copy for your records. In order to save the form and data, additional software must be purchased.

View Forms

Publications Incorporated by Reference

• DEP FL Unified Citations Dictionary for Water Well Construction (10/02) (Inc. by reference in 40D-3.037(2) eff. 6/23/03)
• DEP Water Well Contractor Disciplinary Guidelines & Procedures Manual (10/02) (Inc. by reference in 40D-3.037(2) eff. 6/23/03)
• Memorandum of Agreement Between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, Superfund Division and the Southwest Florida Water Management District eff. 9-11-08 (Inc. by reference in 40D-3.037(4), eff. 6-7-10)
• Well Construction Delegation Agreement-Marion County Health Dept. eff. 10-01-09 to 10-01-11 (Inc. by reference in 40D-1.002(3)(c) eff. 12-07-09)
• Well Construction Delegation Agreement-Manatee County eff. 6-1-10 to 6-1-15 (Inc. by reference in 40D-1.002(3)(a) eff. 7-22-10)
• Well Construction Delegation Agreement-Sarasota County eff. 6-1-10 to 6-1-15 (Inc. by reference in 40D-1.002(3)(b) eff. 7-22-10)

Supplemental Information

• National Groundwater Association (NGWA) Resource List
• Aquifer Characteristics Within the District (February 2006)
• Well Permitting in Delineated Areas of Known Contamination (September 2007)
• Consumer Guide for Well Construction (February 2008)
• Well Contractor Training Manual (March 2008)
• Water well contractors in the District (Renewed License 2011-2013)

• FDEP Water Well Contractor’s Clearinghouse
• Florida Water Well Contractors Continuing Education Program (12 CEUs are required for licensing)