Certified labs by state
Florida
Florida says about 88% of residents use regulated public water systems, while the other 12% rely on limited-use systems or private wells. For private wells, Florida places routine testing responsibility on the owner, but the state also runs a Well Surveillance Program and points residents to certified labs, county health departments, and UF/IFAS guidance.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
Official resources in Florida
Main state page for private well owners, including recommended tests, testing frequency, county health department help, and the certified-lab search link.
Explains that Florida’s Environmental Laboratory Certification Program certifies environmental testing laboratories, including those testing drinking water.
Official state page residents use to reach Florida’s searchable list of certified laboratories.
State program page describing well surveys, chemical sampling near suspected contamination, mapping/data tools, and assistance pathways when contamination exceeds standards.
Florida land-grant guidance on which additional tests make sense based on agriculture, septic systems, fuel odors, corrosion, salty taste, flooding, or home purchase.
Key facts for Florida
- Florida’s Environmental Laboratory Certification Program, within the Florida Department of Health, certifies environmental testing laboratories for drinking water. ([floridahealth.gov](https://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-regulations/regulated-facilities/environmental-laboratories/?utm_source=openai))
- Florida tells private well owners to find certified labs through DEP’s NELAP Certified Laboratory Search/database. ([floridahealth.gov](https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/))
- Florida DOH strongly recommends private wells be tested for bacteria and nitrate at least once per year. ([floridahealth.gov](https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/))
- UF/IFAS says Florida DOH recommends annual tests for coliform bacteria, nitrate, lead, and pH. ([ask.ifas.ufl.edu](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS712))
- UF/IFAS says nitrate risks are higher for shallow private wells near agricultural communities or septic systems; salty coastal wells may warrant chloride, TDS, and sodium testing. ([ask.ifas.ufl.edu](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR440?utm_source=openai))
- Florida DOH notes some counties may recommend testing for naturally occurring radiological contaminants, and radon can be dissolved in well water. ([floridahealth.gov](https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/?utm_source=openai))
What to do next
- Ask your county health department which extra tests are locally appropriate; Florida specifically points owners to local advice for pesticides, toxic substances, and some radiological contaminants. ([floridahealth.gov](https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/))
- If you suspect contamination from nearby industrial, agricultural, or petroleum sources, check the Well Surveillance mapping site and ask about state assistance pathways. ([floridahealth.gov](https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/well-surveillance-program/))
Helpful guides
- How to choose a state-certified drinking water lab
- What to test your private well water for (and how often)
- How to collect a well water sample without ruining the test
- How to read a water test report: MCLs, units and flags