FLORIDA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR EXAMINATION
Practice Exam – 100+ Questions with ANSWERs &
Rationales 2026
SECTION 1: LICENSING, LAW, & BUSINESS PRACTICE (Questions 1–20)
1. Which Florida agency is responsible for issuing Septic Tank Contractor registrations?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
C) Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
D) Local County Health Department
ANSWER: B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Rationale: While the DOH regulates the technical standards of systems (OSTDS), the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) is specifically cited in statute 489.553 as the administrative authority for
the registration, examination, and certification of contractors.
2. Which Florida agency currently has primary regulatory authority over onsite sewage treatment and
disposal systems (OSTDS)?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
C) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
D) Florida Water Management Districts
ANSWER: B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
,Rationale: The regulatory authority for OSTDS was transferred from the DOH to the DEP, making DEP the
lead agency for septic system regulation in Florida under Chapter 62-6 of the Florida Administrative
Code. However, note that the DOH still plays a role in certain aspects and local county health
departments often implement these rules.
3. To be eligible for registration as a Septic Tank Contractor in Florida, an applicant must have at least
how many years of active experience?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
ANSWER: C) 3 years
Rationale: Florida Statute 489.553(4)(d) mandates a minimum of 3 years of active experience serving as
an apprentice under a registered contractor. Up to 2 years may be substituted with approved
coursework.
4. What is the minimum age requirement for a Florida septic tank contractor license?
A) 18 years
B) 21 years
C) 25 years
D) No minimum age
ANSWER: A) 18 years
Rationale: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Florida septic tank contractor license.
5. A homeowner in Florida wants to replace their existing septic tank themselves. Is this legal?
A) No, only registered contractors may touch any component of a septic system
B) Yes, but only if the home is owner-occupied and it is a single-family residence
,C) Yes, but only if a licensed plumber supervises the work
D) No, unless the homeowner also holds a general contractor license
ANSWER: B) Yes, but only if the home is owner-occupied and it is a single-family residence
Rationale: Florida law provides a specific exemption for homeowners performing work on their own
owner-occupied, single-family residence. However, they must still obtain the necessary DOH permits.
6. Which Florida Statute defines the term "septic tank contractor" and outlines the scope of work
permitted under the statute?
A) 489.01
B) 489.12
C) 489.25
D) 489.28
ANSWER: A) 489.01 (Chapter 489, Part III)
Rationale: Chapter 489, Part III (ss. 489.551–489.558) of the Florida Statutes governs septic tank
contracting, including definitions, registration requirements, and the scope of work.
7. If a registered septic tank contractor leaves a contracting business, how many days does the business
have to notify the DEP and obtain a new qualifying agent?
A) 30 days
B) 60 days
C) 90 days
D) 180 days
ANSWER: B) 60 days
, Rationale: To remain in compliance and keep their certificate of authorization active, a business
generally has 60 days to replace a qualifying agent.
8. Which of the following is a disqualifying criminal offense for obtaining a license if it occurred within
the past 5 years?
A) A minor traffic violation
B) A conviction for a crime directly relating to the practice of contracting
C) Any misdemeanor not involving moral turpitude
D) A first-time DUI
ANSWER: B) A conviction for a crime directly relating to the practice of contracting
Rationale: Statute 489.553 states that the department considers crimes that "directly relate to the
practice of contracting" or affect "good moral character." While minor infractions may not bar licensure,
contracting-related fraud or theft usually will.
9. How often must Florida septic tank contractor licenses be renewed?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
ANSWER: B) Every 2 years
Rationale: Septic tank contractor licenses must be renewed every 2 years.
10. How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for registered septic tank contractors per
certification cycle?
A) 6 hours
B) 12 hours
Practice Exam – 100+ Questions with ANSWERs &
Rationales 2026
SECTION 1: LICENSING, LAW, & BUSINESS PRACTICE (Questions 1–20)
1. Which Florida agency is responsible for issuing Septic Tank Contractor registrations?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
C) Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
D) Local County Health Department
ANSWER: B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Rationale: While the DOH regulates the technical standards of systems (OSTDS), the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) is specifically cited in statute 489.553 as the administrative authority for
the registration, examination, and certification of contractors.
2. Which Florida agency currently has primary regulatory authority over onsite sewage treatment and
disposal systems (OSTDS)?
A) Florida Department of Health (DOH)
B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
C) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
D) Florida Water Management Districts
ANSWER: B) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
,Rationale: The regulatory authority for OSTDS was transferred from the DOH to the DEP, making DEP the
lead agency for septic system regulation in Florida under Chapter 62-6 of the Florida Administrative
Code. However, note that the DOH still plays a role in certain aspects and local county health
departments often implement these rules.
3. To be eligible for registration as a Septic Tank Contractor in Florida, an applicant must have at least
how many years of active experience?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
ANSWER: C) 3 years
Rationale: Florida Statute 489.553(4)(d) mandates a minimum of 3 years of active experience serving as
an apprentice under a registered contractor. Up to 2 years may be substituted with approved
coursework.
4. What is the minimum age requirement for a Florida septic tank contractor license?
A) 18 years
B) 21 years
C) 25 years
D) No minimum age
ANSWER: A) 18 years
Rationale: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Florida septic tank contractor license.
5. A homeowner in Florida wants to replace their existing septic tank themselves. Is this legal?
A) No, only registered contractors may touch any component of a septic system
B) Yes, but only if the home is owner-occupied and it is a single-family residence
,C) Yes, but only if a licensed plumber supervises the work
D) No, unless the homeowner also holds a general contractor license
ANSWER: B) Yes, but only if the home is owner-occupied and it is a single-family residence
Rationale: Florida law provides a specific exemption for homeowners performing work on their own
owner-occupied, single-family residence. However, they must still obtain the necessary DOH permits.
6. Which Florida Statute defines the term "septic tank contractor" and outlines the scope of work
permitted under the statute?
A) 489.01
B) 489.12
C) 489.25
D) 489.28
ANSWER: A) 489.01 (Chapter 489, Part III)
Rationale: Chapter 489, Part III (ss. 489.551–489.558) of the Florida Statutes governs septic tank
contracting, including definitions, registration requirements, and the scope of work.
7. If a registered septic tank contractor leaves a contracting business, how many days does the business
have to notify the DEP and obtain a new qualifying agent?
A) 30 days
B) 60 days
C) 90 days
D) 180 days
ANSWER: B) 60 days
, Rationale: To remain in compliance and keep their certificate of authorization active, a business
generally has 60 days to replace a qualifying agent.
8. Which of the following is a disqualifying criminal offense for obtaining a license if it occurred within
the past 5 years?
A) A minor traffic violation
B) A conviction for a crime directly relating to the practice of contracting
C) Any misdemeanor not involving moral turpitude
D) A first-time DUI
ANSWER: B) A conviction for a crime directly relating to the practice of contracting
Rationale: Statute 489.553 states that the department considers crimes that "directly relate to the
practice of contracting" or affect "good moral character." While minor infractions may not bar licensure,
contracting-related fraud or theft usually will.
9. How often must Florida septic tank contractor licenses be renewed?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
ANSWER: B) Every 2 years
Rationale: Septic tank contractor licenses must be renewed every 2 years.
10. How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for registered septic tank contractors per
certification cycle?
A) 6 hours
B) 12 hours
