- Homeowners can do septic work only on their own owner occupied single family home.
- At least three years, shown as 6,000 hours signed by a septic tank or plumbing contractor. Up to 2 years (4,000 hours) can be replaced by coursework or related experience.
- Plan for a trade exam.
Do you need a state license in Florida?
Florida licenses septic system work at the state level through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Onsite Sewage Program. Below is what the board asks for, in the order you will run into it.
Homeowners can do septic work only on their own owner occupied single family home.
Steps to get licensed in Florida
- Build three years (6,000 hours) of experience under a septic tank or plumbing contractor.
- File the application with $100 ($25 account fee, $75 exam fee).
- Pass the exam in Tallahassee or Orlando.
Experience and other requirements
Experience. At least three years, shown as 6,000 hours signed by a septic tank or plumbing contractor. Up to 2 years (4,000 hours) can be replaced by coursework or related experience.
The license to apply for. Septic Tank Contractor registration.
Florida septic installer exams
Trade exam. The septic tank contractor registration exam, given in Tallahassee and Orlando.
Business and law exam. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).
What it costs in Florida
The board lists 2 fees along the way. These are the state's own numbers. Insurance, any bond, exam prep and your business registration come on top.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| First application ($25 account fee plus $75 exam fee) | $100 |
| Retake application | $75 |
Insurance and bond
Insurance. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).
Bond. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).
Renewal and licenses from other states
Renewal. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).
Reciprocity. Out of state experience counts year for year if you hold a statewide septic license earned by an equivalent exam with continuing education.
Good to know in Florida
- Experience paid on an IRS Form 1099 does not count toward the exam.
After you are licensed
The license lets you take the work. Getting the work is the next job.
- Register the business. If you work under a name other than your own, register it where your state asks (often the Secretary of State, sometimes the county), and keep the name the same on your license, your truck and your invoices.
- Claim your Google Business Profile. It is the listing people see when they search for septic installation near them. Fill in your service area, hours and real photos of your work.
- Put up a website that shows the license. Customers look for it before they call. Koira builds a contractor website for you and keeps it current.
- See where you stand. The free Koira report checks how your business shows up in search and on maps against shops near you.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page comes from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Onsite Sewage Program and the official pages below, checked October 9, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you file.