Florida backflow testing rules
Florida DEP rule 62-555.360(2) requires every community water system (CWS) to establish and implement a cross-connection control program with a written plan based on AWWA Manual M14. Text read from the Cornell LII copy of the Florida Administrative Code; the official rule page is flrules.org 62-555.360 (eff. 5/5/2014).
Who sets the rules in Florida
Source: Community water systems must run a cross-connection control program
Is an annual test required?
The rule says each CWS's written plan must specify test frequency, and sets a floor: assemblies required at non-residential service connections (any connection other than a residential one as defined in the rule) are tested after installation or repair and at least annually. The frequency is set inside each CWS's plan but may not be less strict than this floor.
Assemblies required at residential service connections (two inches or less, building containing only dwelling units, including dedicated irrigation or fire connections) are tested at least every two years, not annually.
The state requires each CWS's plan to set the frequency, tester qualifications and test procedures, so details differ by utility.
Source: State minimum: non-residential required assemblies tested at least annually
Which properties need a backflow preventer
The rule's definition makes small dedicated irrigation and fire service connections to dwelling-only premises 'residential' (biennial testing); larger or non-dwelling connections are non-residential (annual).
Table 62-555.360-2 names premises with an irrigation system using potable water; dedicated irrigation connections need a PVB or RP depending on backpressure; irrigation connected internally to plumbing needs none at the service connection.
Table 62-555.360-2 names wet-pipe sprinkler or wet standpipe fire systems on potable water; a dedicated fire service connection needs DC/DCDA (non-residential) or DuC (residential) if no additives, RP/RPDA if additives or auxiliary water.
Table 62-555.360-2 lists many non-residential categories requiring minimum protection (for example RP for car washes, laboratories, hospitals).
Footnote 10: a DC may be provided on a dedicated irrigation connection built before 5-5-14 if no chemicals are fed into the irrigation system.
Footnote 12: DEP allows an exception to backflow protection for a dedicated fire service connection to a wet-pipe sprinkler or wet standpipe system if installed and last altered before 5-5-14 and no chemical additives.
Source: Residential connection defined to include dedicated irrigation and fire lines up to 2 inches
Who may do the test
State rule does not name a state tester certification; the CWS's written plan must specify qualifications for testers.
UF TREEO FAQ: no prerequisite to take the course or to test; check with your utility whether it requires a plumbing licence. Secondary statement from the training provider, not a statute.
Statement made by UF TREEO's FAQ about Florida Statutes chapter 489; statute text itself not independently fetched here. Applies to install and repair, not testing.
Statement made by UF TREEO's FAQ about Florida Statutes chapter 633; statute text itself not independently fetched here.
Sources: Rule leaves tester qualifications to each water system's policy; UF TREEO says there is no state prerequisite to test backflow assemblies
How the test report is filed
Reports go to the FDEP district office or Approved County Health Department, due within three months after the end of the calendar year (Form 62-555.900(13)).
Form 62-555.900(13) instructions on floridadep.gov.
Records of installation, inspection/testing and repair of required backflow protection; no tester-to-utility deadline is set in the state rule.
Sources: Large CWS (over 10,000 persons) must file an annual cross-connection report with FDEP; Deadline for the annual report: three months after year end
If a test is missed
The rule's enforcement tool is service discontinuation by the water system; no state fine amount is stated in this rule.
Source: Water system must eliminate, protect or discontinue service when a cross-connection is found
Common questions
Is backflow testing required every year in Florida?
The rule says each CWS's written plan must specify test frequency, and sets a floor: assemblies required at non-residential service connections (any connection other than a residential one as defined in the rule) are tested after installation or repair and at least annually. The frequency is set inside each CWS's plan but may not be less strict than this floor.