Diagnose sulfur smell, iron staining, pump problems & contamination — with FL-specific treatment costs and DEP regulations
Select all symptoms that apply — we'll identify the most likely causes and FL-specific solutions.
Licensed FL well and water treatment contractors serving rural Florida counties — Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, Highlands & surrounding areas.
What Florida law requires — and what you should test for every year.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection governs water well construction, repair, and abandonment under Chapter 62-532, Florida Administrative Code.
Order from a FL DEP-certified lab. Many offer mail-in sampling kits ($40–$150 for full panel). FL County Health Departments often offer low-cost testing.
| Test | Why in FL | Frequency | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform / E. coli | Bacterial contamination — most critical test | Annually | $30–$60 |
| Nitrates | Agricultural runoff — major issue in rural FL | Annually | $15–$30 |
| pH | Corrosivity & copper leaching risk | Annually | Included |
| Total Hardness | Very hard water common in Floridan Aquifer | Annually | Included |
| Iron | Damages appliances, stains fixtures — #1 FL complaint | Annually | $15–$30 |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | Sulfur smell extremely common in FL wells | Annually | $15–$30 |
| Manganese | Common in FL, neurological health concern at high levels | Annually | $15–$30 |
| Arsenic | Naturally occurring in some FL geological formations | Every 5 yrs | $30–$50 |
| Lead | Older pump hardware and plumbing risk | Every 5 yrs | $30–$50 |
| PFAS ("Forever Chemicals") | Near military bases, airports, firefighter training sites in FL (Eglin, MacDill, NAS Jacksonville) | Once | $200–$400 |
* FL DOH county health departments often provide low-cost testing. Search FL DEP OCULUS database for certified labs near you.
After any major FL hurricane bringing flooding near your well (Irma, Ian, Milton, etc.), assume the water is contaminated until tested. FL DEP issues county-level well advisories after major storms.
FL conditions (sand, iron, sulfur, heat) accelerate wear compared to national averages.
Certified FL well inspectors and DEP-certified testing services — most counties served within 48 hours.
Matching the right treatment to FL well water problems — with installed cost ranges.
Best for: Well water with rotten egg smell but no significant iron or color issues.
The Floridan Aquifer typically produces water with both iron (1–10 mg/L) and hydrogen sulfide. This combo requires a system that handles both in one pass.
| Treatment | Best For | FL Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Oxidizing Filter | Ferrous iron + H₂S combo | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Manganese Greensand Filter | Iron + H₂S + manganese | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Chemical Injection + Filter | Iron bacteria present | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Birm Filter | Ferrous iron, low H₂S | $1,500–$3,000 |
Floridan Aquifer water is notoriously hard (200–400+ ppm in many FL counties). Hard water destroys water heaters, clogs fixtures, and leaves scale everywhere.
First: If you have active contamination, do not drink the water. Order a coliform/E. coli test immediately and use bottled water.
Low pH (acidic) well water actively corrodes copper pipes, leaches copper into water (EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L), and damages all treatment equipment downstream. Fix this first.
For most rural FL homes with Floridan Aquifer water, a layered treatment system addresses all common issues. Each stage protects the next.
FL water well contractors must be licensed under Rule 62-531, FL Administrative Code — this is separate from a plumbing license. Always verify before hiring.
Use this checklist when interviewing any FL well or water treatment contractor.
No water, flooding near well, recurring illness, post-hurricane
Pump running constantly, low pressure, severe staining or smell
Annual test overdue, water softener sizing, treatment upgrade
| Maintenance Item | Frequency | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Water test — basic panel (coliform, nitrates, pH, iron) | Annually | $50–$150 |
| Shock chlorination | Every 1–3 yrs | $150–$350 |
| Sediment pre-filter cartridge | Every 3–6 months | $20–$60 |
| Water softener — salt refill | Monthly | $20–$40/bag |
| UV sterilizer bulb | Annually | $80–$150 |
| Pressure tank inspection | Every 3 years | Included in service call |
| RO membrane replacement | Every 2–3 years | $50–$200 |
| Full pump inspection | Every 5 years | $200–$400 |
Licensed FL water well contractors and water treatment specialists — rural FL coverage including Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, Highlands & surrounding counties.
Built for Florida homes - accounting for Florida's hard water, hurricane-season demands, coastal corrosion, private well water, and county permitting.
Serving Palm Beach County & Florida - get matched with a licensed plumber
On this page, Florida well water estimates run about $4,200-$10,800, 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 pipe 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.
Timelines depend on scope - many routine jobs take a few hours to a day, while larger projects run longer. Your licensed plumber can confirm 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 Well Water for typical Florida homes.
From this page: On this page, Florida well water estimates run about $4,200-$10,800, 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 pipe 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.