West Palm Beach: Permits Needed for All Well Construction & Repair

West Palm Beach residents and contractors must obtain a permit before starting any new well construction or undertaking any repair, modification, or abandonment of an existing well. This requirement applies regardless of well size.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and its delegated agencies issue these permits and monitor water wells across Palm Beach County. The permits ensure all work is performed by licensed contractors and complies with Florida construction standards, protecting the region's water resources.

A Well Construction Permit is necessary for installing new wells, repairing or modifying existing ones, and abandoning old wells. The permit also covers test wells, monitor wells, and test holes intended for conversion into water use wells.

For specific counties, including Monroe and Charlotte, and for wells 12 inches or larger in diameter in Broward County, applications can be submitted online through the RegPermitting system. Well Completion Reports are also submitted via RegPermitting for all counties.

A separate consumptive water use permit (WUP) may be needed if the well's intended use falls outside specific exemptions, such as for single-family homes or duplexes with one well, or for firefighting wells. A WUP must be obtained before a well construction permit is issued. WUP applications are also managed through the RegPermitting system.

For questions about Well Construction Permitting or Well Contractor Licensing, contact SFWMD at [email protected] or (561) 682-6930. For assistance with the RegPermitting system, call (561) 682-2281 or email [email protected].