Local Guide · Water well drillers
How do you choose a water well driller?
Texas licenses well drillers and pump installers through TDLR. Florida licenses water well contractors through its water management districts. Here is what to check and how to keep well water safe.
Use a licensed driller. In Texas, drillers and pump installers are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and drillers must file a well log after drilling. In Florida, water well contractors are licensed by the water management districts. Once your well is in, EPA recommends testing it every year.
Key facts
- Texas says a person may not act or offer to act as a water well driller without a license.
- Texas says a person may not act or offer to act as a pump installer without a license.
- Texas drillers must keep a well log recording strata, water-bearing zones and casing, and submit it within 60 days after drilling.
- Texas's well driller law does not affect landowners' ownership of or rights in groundwater.
- Florida says anyone who engages in business as a water well contractor must be licensed by a water management district.
- Florida says the water management district license is the only water well contractor license required anywhere in the state.
- EPA recommends testing a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH.
Who licenses well drillers?
In Texas, TDLR licenses water well drillers and pump installers (Occupations Code 1901.151, 1902.151). In Florida, water management districts license water well contractors, and that license is the only one required statewide (Florida Statutes 373.323).
What paperwork should you get?
Texas drillers must record a well log with the strata, water-bearing zones and casing, and submit it within 60 days (1901.251). Keep a copy with your property records.
How do you keep well water safe?
EPA recommends testing a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH, and testing for other contaminants if you suspect them. Your local health department can say what's common in your area.
Does licensing affect water rights?
In Texas, the driller licensing law does not affect landowners' ownership of or rights in groundwater (1901.002). Local groundwater districts may still have rules.
How to choose a provider
- Check the driller's license (TDLR in Texas, the water management district in Florida).
- Ask about permits or registrations needed locally.
- Get a copy of the well log or completion report.
- Test the water after completion and every year.
- Get pump and equipment warranties in writing.
Water well drillers guides by state and city
Questions people ask
Who licenses well drillers in Texas?
TDLR.
Who licenses well contractors in Florida?
The water management districts.
Does a Texas pump installer need a license?
Yes.
What is a well log?
A record of the strata, water-bearing zones and casing that Texas drillers must file within 60 days.
How often should I test my well?
EPA recommends every year.
Does a Florida city need its own well license?
No. The district license is the only water well contractor license required statewide.
Sources
- TDLR, Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers
- Texas Occupations Code 1901.151, water well driller license required
- Texas Occupations Code 1902.151, pump installer license required
- Texas Occupations Code 1901.251, well logs
- Texas Occupations Code 1901.002, effect on groundwater rights
- Florida Statutes 373.323, licensure of water well contractors
- EPA, Protect Your Home's Water (private wells)
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
