29871361, 62-602.200 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 29871361

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Chapter:

WATER OR DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS

Overview

RULE:

62-602.200	Definitions
62-602.230	Approval of Residence or Correspondence Courses
62-602.250	Criteria for Determining Eligible Experience
62-602.300	Qualifications for Operator Licensure
62-602.360	Licensing Requirements for Non-Florida Operators
62-602.410	Applications for Examination
62-602.420	Applications for License
62-602.600	Fees for Operator Examinations and Licensure
62-602.650	Duties of Operators

PURPOSE:

Section 403.8721, Florida Statute (F.S.), directs the Department to adopt rules to implement licensure by reciprocity for water treatment, domestic wastewater treatment, and water distribution system operator licenses, and authorizes the Department to issue temporary operator licenses during a declared state of emergency. These changes will increase the licensed operator candidate pool in Florida by providing license by reciprocity to out-of-state licensed treatment plant operators and distribution system operators and allow for the issuance of temporary licenses for out-of-state licensed treatment plant operators and distribution system operators during a state of emergency declared pursuant to s. 252.36, F.S.

SUMMARY:

The proposed amendments to Chapter 62-602, F.A.C., implement section 403.8721, F.S., to implement licensure by reciprocity for water treatment, domestic wastewater treatment, and water distribution system operator licenses and to authorize the Department to issue temporary operator licenses during a declared state of emergency. New definitions are proposed to be added, and the definition of “Domestic wastewater treatment plant” has been expanded. The incorporated reference manual for operator courses has been updated to the 2024 version, along with other reuse rule related updates. Outdated distribution system language has been removed from operator licensure qualifications. Licensing requirements to implement licensure by reciprocity have been detailed, including provisions for military applicants and temporary licenses during emergencies for out-of-state operators, in accordance with section 403.8721, F.S.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

403.869, 403.871, 403.872, 403.8721, F.S.

LAW:

403.182, 403.1832, 403.8533, 403.862(1)(c), 403.865, 403.866, 403.867, 403.869, 403.871, 403.872, 403.8721, 403.874, 403.875(1)(a), 403.876, 403.88, F.S.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

8/18/2025 Vol. 51/160

COMMENTS:

From 8/18/2025 To 9/8/2025 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Ref-18520 DEP Form 62-602.230 Water, Wastewater, and Distribution Operator Knowledge Base Manual
Ref-18521 DEP Form 62-602.360(1) Application for Reciprocity
Ref-18522 DEP Form 62-602.410(1) Application for Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Examination
Ref-18523 DEP Form 62-602.410(2) Application for Distribution System Operator Examination
Ref-18524 DEP Form 62-602.420(1) Application for Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License
Ref-18525 Application for Distribution System Operator License

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