License Status
All licenses are renewed on a two-year cycle. This means that all licenses must be renewed by April 30th in odd numbered years to continue performing the duties of an operator. A license is categorized in one of two statuses. A license will be maintained in either an Active or Inactive status.
Active Status
Licenses in an Active status are considered to be in good standing in which the operator is allowed to work. Generally, this means that the licensee has complied with all licensure and renewal requirements and has not had their license suspended or revoked.
Inactive Status
Licenses in an Inactive status are considered to be delinquent and the operator is prohibited from working. Generally, this means that the licensee has not complied with all requirements to renew their license. Usually the licensee has failed to pay the required renewal fee and/or complete the required amount of continuing education. An inactive license which is not reactivated before the end of the current biennial licensure period shall expire and become Null & Void. The licensee will then be required to apply as an original candidate for examination and restart the certification process. No exceptions.
Renewal Notices
As a courtesy, the Operator Certification Program (OCP) mails a renewal reminder to every licensee (Active & Inactive) ninety (90) days prior to the license expiration date. The renewal reminders are sent to the current address-of-record on file with the OCP. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the licensee to monitor the expiration date of their license and to provide accurate and current information.
By submitting the appropriate fees for renewal to the department, a licensee affirms compliance with all requirements for renewal, including continuing education credits.
Failure to comply with license renewal requirements, or making a false statement as to such compliance, will subject the applicant to disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
Renewal Fees
The following tables show the applicable fees required for renewal. Please make all checks or money orders payable to Department of Environmental Protection.
Active License Renewal Fees - Drinking Water and/or Wastewater
| On or Before Expiration Date | License Class | After the Expiration Date (less than 1 yr. 9 mo. after) |
|---|
| $75 | Class A | $175 |
| $75 | Class B | $175 |
| $75 | Class C | $175 |
| $50 | Class D | $150 |
Inactive License Renewal Fees - Drinking Water and/or Wastewater
After the Expiration Date (more than 1 yr. 9 mo. after) | License Class | After the Expiration Date (2 yr. after) |
|---|
| $250 | Class A | License becomes Null & Void |
| $250 | Class B | License becomes Null & Void |
| $250 | Class C | License becomes Null & Void |
| $200 | Class D | License becomes Null & Void |
Active License Renewal Fees – Water Distribution System
| On or Before Expiration Date | License Levels | After the Expiration Date (less than 1 yr. 9 mo. after) |
|---|
| $50 | Level 1 | $150 |
| $50 | Level 2 | $150 |
| $50 | Level 3 | $150 |
| $50 | Level 4 | $150 |
Inactive License Renewal Fees – Water Distribution System
After the Expiration Date (more than 1 yr. 9 mo. after) | License Levels | After the Expiration Date (2 yr. after) |
|---|
| $200 | Level 1 | License becomes Null & Void |
| $200 | Level 2 | License becomes Null & Void |
| $200 | Level 3 | License becomes Null & Void |
| $200 | Level 4 | License becomes Null & Void |
Continuing Education (CEUs)
CEUs are required for renewal of operator licenses. CEUs must be received and approved by OCP for credit to be given. The required number of units shall be earned within the current licensure cycle. Completing an approved training course for the next higher level of license during a renewal cycle will satisfy the CEU requirement for that cycle. A request for renewal shall be denied if required continuing education cannot be confirmed. Additionally, the renewal fee shall not be refunded if the license is denied because of insufficient continuing education units.
Topics for continuing education include operation and control of a treatment plant; troubleshooting treatment processes; health and safety; employee and community right-to-know notification procedures; toxic and hazardous materials handling procedures; solids and residuals control; supervision and management; basic chemistry and biology; mathematics of the treatment process; laboratory sampling procedures; equipment maintenance and repair; computer applications for water or wastewater treatment; blueprint reading; government rules and procedures.
Denial of License Renewal
The OCP shall deny an application for renewal of a license for any of the following reasons:
- Submission of false or misleading information on the renewal request.
- Submission of a non-redeemable check with the renewal request.
- Failure to supply information needed to complete renewal request.
- Fraud or cheating on an examination.
- Revoked or suspended license in Florida or another state.
- Failure to complete the required amount of continuing education.
Upon denial of renewal of a license, the department shall give written notice to the person involved. Within 21 days from receipt of notice, the person affected may petition for an administrative hearing under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S.
Need further assistance or information regarding the program?
Operator Certification Program
Division of Water Resource Management
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3506
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
Phone: 850-245-7500 FAX: 850-245-8410
email:
operator.certification@dep.state.fl.us
