Tool #135 · Backflow Prevention & Irrigation Design · (561) 316-7450
Select your application and hazard level to find the correct FL-approved backflow prevention device.
| Device | Abbrev | Hazard Level | Annual Test? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Gap | AG | Any | No | $50-$200 |
| Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker | AVB | Low | No | $20-$80 |
| Pressure Vacuum Breaker | PVB | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $200-$600 |
| Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker | SVB | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $250-$700 |
| Double Check Valve Assembly | DC/DCVA | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $400-$1,200 |
| Reduced Pressure Zone | RP/RPBA | High | Yes (annual) | $600-$2,000 |
| Double Check Detector Assembly | DCDA | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $800-$2,500 |
| Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly | RPDA | High | Yes (annual) | $1,200-$3,500 |
| Application | FL Required Device | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Residential irrigation (no chemicals) | PVB or DC | Medium hazard, soil contact |
| Irrigation with fertilizer inject | RP | High hazard — chemical risk |
| Pool/spa autofill | RP or AG | High hazard — chemical contamination |
| Hose bib / outside faucet | AVB or hose-bibb VP | Low hazard, non-testable ok |
| Commercial irrigation | DC or RP | Depends on hazard assessment |
| Fire suppression (no additives) | DC or DCDA | Low hazard — clean water |
| Fire suppression (antifreeze) | RP or RPDA | High hazard — chemical |
| Boiler/closed loop HVAC | RP | High hazard — treatment chemicals |
| Reclaimed water irrigation | AG or RP | Cross-connection prevention |
| County | Residential Test | Commercial Test | Install Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | $75-$150 | $150-$300 | $150-$400 |
| Broward | $60-$120 | $120-$250 | $100-$300 |
| Palm Beach | $65-$130 | $130-$260 | $125-$350 |
| Hillsborough | $50-$100 | $100-$200 | $90-$250 |
| Orange | $55-$110 | $110-$220 | $100-$275 |
| Duval | $50-$100 | $100-$200 | $85-$225 |
| Pinellas | $55-$110 | $100-$220 | $95-$250 |
| Lee | $60-$120 | $120-$240 | $100-$275 |
| All other FL counties | $50-$125 | $100-$250 | $85-$300 |
Size your irrigation zones for FL conditions including ET rates, soil types, and head coverage.
| Utility / District | Days Allowed | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SFWMD (South FL) | 2 days/week (year-round) | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM |
| SWFWMD (SW FL) | 2 days/week (dry season) | Before 8 AM or after 6 PM |
| SJRWMD (NE/Central FL) | 2 days/week | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM |
| NWFWMD (Panhandle) | 3 days/week | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM |
| Hillsborough County | Odd/Even (address-based) | Before 8 AM or after 6 PM |
| Miami-Dade | 2 days/week by address | Before 8 AM or after 6 PM |
| New sod/seed | Daily for 30 days (new install) | Any hour during establishment |
| Season | Avg Daily ET | Weekly Need | Zone Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Sep) | 0.20-0.30 in/day | 1.4-2.1 in/wk | 30-45 min |
| Fall (Oct-Nov) | 0.10-0.15 in/day | 0.7-1.1 in/wk | 15-25 min |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 0.05-0.10 in/day | 0.4-0.7 in/wk | 10-15 min |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 0.15-0.25 in/day | 1.1-1.8 in/wk | 20-35 min |
| Head Type | Typical Radius | GPM Range | Operating PSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop-up spray (fixed) | 8-15 ft | 0.5-3.0 GPM | 20-35 PSI |
| Rotor (gear-drive) | 20-45 ft | 1.0-5.0 GPM | 30-55 PSI |
| MP Rotator | 10-30 ft | 0.2-1.0 GPM | 30-45 PSI |
| Drip (per emitter) | 12-18 in | 0.1-2.0 GPH | 15-30 PSI |
| Micro-spray | 2-8 ft | 0.1-0.5 GPM | 15-25 PSI |
FL-licensed for backflow testing, irrigation installation, and annual maintenance programs.
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Built for Florida homes - accounting for Florida's climate, water conditions, and county permitting.
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On this page, Florida backflow prevention estimates run about $1,200-$3,500, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
In Florida, minor maintenance may be DIY, but anything beyond that generally calls for a licensed plumber, and many jobs require a permit and inspection. When a permit, or your main water or drain lines are involved, hire a Florida-licensed plumber.
It depends on the cause and your specific policy. Sudden, accidental damage is more often covered than gradual wear-and-tear or maintenance - confirm the details with your insurer.
Many common jobs are completed the same day, while larger projects can take longer. Your licensed plumber can confirm a timeline after assessing your home.
Planning estimate, not a quote — confirm with a licensed Florida plumber. Confidence is qualitative: ranges reflect this page’s Florida assumptions, not a guaranteed price.
Estimates on this page are Florida-specific and reflect Backflow Prevention for typical Florida homes.
From this page: On this page, Florida backflow prevention estimates run about $1,200-$3,500, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
Your actual cost depends on your home's condition, layout, and local labor and permit rates.
From this page: Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
Generally raises cost: harder access, older homes, added permits and inspections, premium fixtures or materials, and emergency or after-hours work.
Generally lowers cost: easy access, bundling several items in one visit, standard fixtures, and off-peak scheduling.
Curated Florida tools and resources related to this page.
Last reviewed: July 1, 2026 (US Eastern)
Reviewed by the FL Plumbing Tools editorial team.
Sources: Florida plumbing cost research and Florida Building Code / local authority-having-jurisdiction (AHJ) permit references.
Florida reference: Estimates and guidance reflect Florida labor rates, permitting, hard water, humidity, and coastal conditions.
Updates: Reviewed periodically and updated as Florida codes, permit fees, and market rates change.