Florida Septic Tank Contractor Exam: 250
Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers &
Explanations
Passing the Florida Septic Tank Contractor registration exam is a critical step toward
becoming a licensed professional in the state of Florida. The exam tests not only your
knowledge of installation and maintenance but also your understanding of Florida-
specific statutes, administrative codes, soil science, and safety regulations.
This study guide provides 250 multiple-choice questions designed to reflect the
format, difficulty, and content of the actual Florida DBPR (Department of Business and
Professional Regulation) septic tank contractor licensing examination. Each question is
followed immediately by the correct answer in bold italics and a detailed explanation
in italics to help you understand why the answer is correct—so you learn the material,
not just memorize answers.
Section 1: Licensing, Regulations, & Business Operations
(Questions 1-30)
1. Which Florida agency is responsible for issuing Septic Tank Contractor licenses?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
C) Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
D) Florida Department of Agriculture
Rationale: While the DOH regulates onsite sewage treatment and disposal system
(OSTDS) standards, the DBPR is responsible for the licensing and regulation of
contractors under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes .
2. According to Florida law, who is legally allowed to perform work on a septic
system?
A) Any licensed general contractor
B) A homeowner on their owner-occupied, single-family home
C) Any individual with a passing score on the DEP exam
,D) A certified building inspector
*Rationale: Florida Statute 489.505 specifically allows only a registered septic tank
contractor, a state-licensed plumber, or a homeowner performing work on their own
owner-occupied single-family residence to perform septic work .*
3. What is the minimum distance a septic tank must be located from a private
potable water well in Florida?
A) 50 feet
B) 100 feet
C) 75 feet
D) 150 feet
*Rationale: Florida Administrative Code mandates a 100-foot setback between a septic
system (tank or drainfield) and a private potable water well to prevent contamination of
the drinking water supply by pathogens or nitrates .*
4. How often must a standard septic tank typically be pumped to prevent system
failure?
A) Every 1 year
B) Every 3–5 years
C) Every 10 years
D) Only when the drainfield fails
*Rationale: Regular pumping every 3-5 years removes accumulated sludge and scum,
preventing solids from overflowing into the drainfield, which is the primary cause of
system failure .*
5. What is the minimum liquid capacity required for a septic tank serving a 3-
bedroom single-family home in Florida?
A) 750 gallons
B) 900 gallons
C) 1,000 gallons
D) 1,250 gallons
*Rationale: Current Florida Administrative Code (Chapter 64E-6) generally requires a
minimum of 900 gallons for a 3-bedroom residence to provide adequate solids
retention time .*
6. If a registered septic tank contractor leaves a business, how long does the
business have to obtain a new qualifying contractor?
A) 30 days
B) 60 days
C) 90 days
D) 180 days
,*Rationale: An authorized business that loses its sole qualifying contractor has a 60-day
grace period to find a replacement. During this time, they cannot take new contracts but
may complete existing ones .*
7. Which of the following is NOT considered "gray water" under Florida
regulations?
A) Laundry discharge
B) Shower water
C) Kitchen sink drainage
D) Bathroom sink water
Rationale: Florida Statute 381.0065 defines gray water as waste from bathing,
washing, and laundry. Kitchen sink waste is considered "black water" due to its
high organic matter content from food and grease .
8. Can a registered septic tank contractor be the sole qualifier for more than one
septic contracting business?
A) Yes, for up to two businesses
B) Yes, if both businesses have the same owners
C) No
D) Yes, with a special waiver from the DEP
Rationale: A registered contractor may not be the sole qualifier for more than one
septic tank contracting business requiring a Certificate of Authorization .
9. What is the primary purpose of a septic tank in an onsite wastewater treatment
system?
A) To biologically treat wastewater to drinking quality
B) To filter out bacteria and viruses
C) To separate solids from liquids (Settling and Scum formation)
D) To disinfect the effluent with chlorine
Rationale: The primary function is physical separation. Heavy solids settle as
sludge, while lighter materials float as scum, allowing clarified effluent to flow to
the drainfield .
10. Out-of-state work experience is accepted for the Florida exam if the applicant:
A) Has a valid driver's license
B) Has worked in the industry for 10 years
C) Holds a current, equivalent license from another state
D) Pays an additional out-of-state fee
Rationale: Out-of-state work experience is accepted on a year-for-year basis if the
applicant holds a current statewide license issued after passing an equivalent
examination .
, 11. A "Certificate of Authorization" (COA) is required for a septic contracting
business if:
A) The business is a sole proprietorship using the owner's legal name
B) The business is structured as a corporation or LLC
C) The business only does repairs, not installations
D) The business has no employees
Rationale: A COA is required for any business operating as a corporation, LLC,
partnership, or association, or under a fictitious name. Sole proprietorships using
the owner's legal name are exempt .
12. What is the maximum slope allowed for a standard drainfield trench in Florida?
A) 0%
B) 2%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Rationale: A maximum slope of 2% ensures proper effluent distribution without
causing erosion, pooling, or uneven flow to the lateral lines .
13. Which agency regulates the onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems
(OSTDS) standards in Florida?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
C) Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
D) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Rationale: The DOH has statutory authority to regulate OSTDS, including
permitting, inspections, and system standards, while the DBPR licenses the
contractors .
14. What is the purpose of an effluent filter in a septic system?
A) To remove odors from the tank
B) To add oxygen to the wastewater
C) To prevent solids from entering the drainfield
D) To distribute water evenly to the laterals
Rationale: Installed on the outlet baffle, the effluent filter catches small solids that
didn't settle, preventing them from clogging the drainfield pipes and soil pores .
15. Which soil characteristic is most critical for determining drainfield suitability?
A) Soil color
B) Permeability
C) Organic matter content
D) Temperature
Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers &
Explanations
Passing the Florida Septic Tank Contractor registration exam is a critical step toward
becoming a licensed professional in the state of Florida. The exam tests not only your
knowledge of installation and maintenance but also your understanding of Florida-
specific statutes, administrative codes, soil science, and safety regulations.
This study guide provides 250 multiple-choice questions designed to reflect the
format, difficulty, and content of the actual Florida DBPR (Department of Business and
Professional Regulation) septic tank contractor licensing examination. Each question is
followed immediately by the correct answer in bold italics and a detailed explanation
in italics to help you understand why the answer is correct—so you learn the material,
not just memorize answers.
Section 1: Licensing, Regulations, & Business Operations
(Questions 1-30)
1. Which Florida agency is responsible for issuing Septic Tank Contractor licenses?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
C) Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
D) Florida Department of Agriculture
Rationale: While the DOH regulates onsite sewage treatment and disposal system
(OSTDS) standards, the DBPR is responsible for the licensing and regulation of
contractors under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes .
2. According to Florida law, who is legally allowed to perform work on a septic
system?
A) Any licensed general contractor
B) A homeowner on their owner-occupied, single-family home
C) Any individual with a passing score on the DEP exam
,D) A certified building inspector
*Rationale: Florida Statute 489.505 specifically allows only a registered septic tank
contractor, a state-licensed plumber, or a homeowner performing work on their own
owner-occupied single-family residence to perform septic work .*
3. What is the minimum distance a septic tank must be located from a private
potable water well in Florida?
A) 50 feet
B) 100 feet
C) 75 feet
D) 150 feet
*Rationale: Florida Administrative Code mandates a 100-foot setback between a septic
system (tank or drainfield) and a private potable water well to prevent contamination of
the drinking water supply by pathogens or nitrates .*
4. How often must a standard septic tank typically be pumped to prevent system
failure?
A) Every 1 year
B) Every 3–5 years
C) Every 10 years
D) Only when the drainfield fails
*Rationale: Regular pumping every 3-5 years removes accumulated sludge and scum,
preventing solids from overflowing into the drainfield, which is the primary cause of
system failure .*
5. What is the minimum liquid capacity required for a septic tank serving a 3-
bedroom single-family home in Florida?
A) 750 gallons
B) 900 gallons
C) 1,000 gallons
D) 1,250 gallons
*Rationale: Current Florida Administrative Code (Chapter 64E-6) generally requires a
minimum of 900 gallons for a 3-bedroom residence to provide adequate solids
retention time .*
6. If a registered septic tank contractor leaves a business, how long does the
business have to obtain a new qualifying contractor?
A) 30 days
B) 60 days
C) 90 days
D) 180 days
,*Rationale: An authorized business that loses its sole qualifying contractor has a 60-day
grace period to find a replacement. During this time, they cannot take new contracts but
may complete existing ones .*
7. Which of the following is NOT considered "gray water" under Florida
regulations?
A) Laundry discharge
B) Shower water
C) Kitchen sink drainage
D) Bathroom sink water
Rationale: Florida Statute 381.0065 defines gray water as waste from bathing,
washing, and laundry. Kitchen sink waste is considered "black water" due to its
high organic matter content from food and grease .
8. Can a registered septic tank contractor be the sole qualifier for more than one
septic contracting business?
A) Yes, for up to two businesses
B) Yes, if both businesses have the same owners
C) No
D) Yes, with a special waiver from the DEP
Rationale: A registered contractor may not be the sole qualifier for more than one
septic tank contracting business requiring a Certificate of Authorization .
9. What is the primary purpose of a septic tank in an onsite wastewater treatment
system?
A) To biologically treat wastewater to drinking quality
B) To filter out bacteria and viruses
C) To separate solids from liquids (Settling and Scum formation)
D) To disinfect the effluent with chlorine
Rationale: The primary function is physical separation. Heavy solids settle as
sludge, while lighter materials float as scum, allowing clarified effluent to flow to
the drainfield .
10. Out-of-state work experience is accepted for the Florida exam if the applicant:
A) Has a valid driver's license
B) Has worked in the industry for 10 years
C) Holds a current, equivalent license from another state
D) Pays an additional out-of-state fee
Rationale: Out-of-state work experience is accepted on a year-for-year basis if the
applicant holds a current statewide license issued after passing an equivalent
examination .
, 11. A "Certificate of Authorization" (COA) is required for a septic contracting
business if:
A) The business is a sole proprietorship using the owner's legal name
B) The business is structured as a corporation or LLC
C) The business only does repairs, not installations
D) The business has no employees
Rationale: A COA is required for any business operating as a corporation, LLC,
partnership, or association, or under a fictitious name. Sole proprietorships using
the owner's legal name are exempt .
12. What is the maximum slope allowed for a standard drainfield trench in Florida?
A) 0%
B) 2%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Rationale: A maximum slope of 2% ensures proper effluent distribution without
causing erosion, pooling, or uneven flow to the lateral lines .
13. Which agency regulates the onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems
(OSTDS) standards in Florida?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
C) Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
D) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Rationale: The DOH has statutory authority to regulate OSTDS, including
permitting, inspections, and system standards, while the DBPR licenses the
contractors .
14. What is the purpose of an effluent filter in a septic system?
A) To remove odors from the tank
B) To add oxygen to the wastewater
C) To prevent solids from entering the drainfield
D) To distribute water evenly to the laterals
Rationale: Installed on the outlet baffle, the effluent filter catches small solids that
didn't settle, preventing them from clogging the drainfield pipes and soil pores .
15. Which soil characteristic is most critical for determining drainfield suitability?
A) Soil color
B) Permeability
C) Organic matter content
D) Temperature
