Updated
Does Florida require a septic license?
Yes. Florida requires septic installers to hold a state credential issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program. Florida registers septic tank contractors under Chapter 489, Part III. State-certified plumbing contractors may also do septic work. The DEP search shows name, number, class and status only.
Who licenses septic contractors in Florida?
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program.
Florida's septic credentials:
- Registered septic tank contractor
- Master septic tank contractor
- Certificate of authorization (business)
How to check a septic contractor's license in Florida
- Open the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program lookup.
- Search by the contractor's name, the license holder's name or the license number.
- Check the license type covers your job (installation, pumping or inspection) and that the status is active.
- If the contractor's business name doesn't come up, ask which person on staff holds the license: several states license individuals, not companies.
Septic permits in Florida
A contractor license says who may do septic work; a permit authorizes a specific system. In Florida, permits for new systems, replacements and most repairs come from the local health department or the state agency office that covers the property. Ask your installer to pull the permit and include the fee in the quote.
Licensed septic companies in Florida
The Septic Guide lists 179 septic companies and licensed professionals in Florida, 27 matched to the state's published list. This is what we could match as of October 2026, not an official count.
- Miami-Dade County (22)
- Orange County (17)
- Polk County (15)
- Duval County (14)
- Hillsborough County (13)
- Lee County (10)
- Brevard County (9)
- Collier County (9)
All septic companies in Florida →
Florida septic licensing: common questions
Do you need a license to install septic systems in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires septic installers to hold a state credential issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program. Florida registers septic tank contractors under Chapter 489, Part III. State-certified plumbing contractors may also do septic work. The DEP search shows name, number, class and status only.
Who issues septic licenses in Florida?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program issues Florida's septic credentials: Registered septic tank contractor; Master septic tank contractor; Certificate of authorization (business).
How do I check a septic contractor's license in Florida?
Open the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program lookup. Search by the contractor's name, the license holder's name or the license number. Check the license type covers your job (installation, pumping or inspection) and that the status is active. If the contractor's business name doesn't come up, ask which person on staff holds the license: several states license individuals, not companies.
How many licensed septic contractors are in Florida?
The Septic Guide lists 179 septic companies and licensed septic professionals in Florida, 27 of them matched to the Florida DBPR - Construction Industry Licensing Board list (data as of October 2026). This counts what we could match; it is not an official total.
Do you need a permit for a septic system in Florida?
New septic systems, replacements and most repairs need a permit before work starts. The permit comes from the local health department or the state agency office that covers your property, and the permit, not the contractor license, is what authorizes a specific job.
Sources: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Operator Certification Program; state license lists loaded into The Septic Guide. See how we verify licenses.