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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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A photo of a lab tech holding a microscope with the text "Contributing to a Healthier Florida, one test at a time

Environmental Laboratories

Laboratory Contact Information

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories – JacksonvilleBureau of Public Health Laboratories – MiamiBureau of Public Health Laboratories – Tampa
  • Environmental Laboratory Certification Program
  • Laboratory Water Testing

The Environmental Laboratory Certification Program was established in 1979 to ensure laboratory quality and capacity to perform testing of drinking water regulated under the Florida Safe Drinking Water Act.

In 1986, the Florida Legislature expanded the scope of the program to cover domestic wastewater testing conducted under the Clean Water Act as well as certification for other types of environmental testing.

The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) provides water testing for potable and nonpotable water samples throughout the state of Florida.

Testing is provided at the Jacksonville and Miami laboratories. Laboratory Certifications for both laboratories are available.

Please use the NELAP Certified Laboratory Search to find other laboratories that provide additional testing services. 

Well Water Testing

Analytes Tested For
E. coli and coliforms in well water
Cost of Service
  • $40 private
  • $17 county health department
Days of Service
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., delivery cut off at 2 p.m. on Fridays
 
Required Form(s)
 
Collection Media
Water collection kit provided by county or BPHL.
If obtaining collection kits through the county, contact the environmental health for that county. If obtaining collection kits through the BPHL, the collection kits can be picked up at the lab at the specimen delivery drive thru Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
 
Collection Instructions
Water must be run for 5 minutes or more. Do not place your hand or fingers in stream of water.
 
Follow the instructions provided with collection kit to collect at least 100mL of water sample.
 
Shipping/Delivery Instructions
Water sample must be collected and delivered to the laboratory the same day. Water sample must be colder than 10°C (50°F) at delivery.
Recommend to be transported to the lab on ice in a cooler.
 
Turnaround Time
48 hours
 
Additional Information
Please contact your local county environmental health for results.
 
Please contact BPHL if testing is required in emergency situations outside of normal service hours. Visit the environmental health for more information about private well testing. 
 

Nonpotable Water Testing

Analytes Tested For
E. coli, coliforms, and Enterococcus
  
Cost of Service
BPHL only provides this service to environmental county health departments
 
Days of Service
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., delivery cut off at 2 p.m. on Fridays
 
Required Form(s)
 
Collection Media
Beach water bottles, water collection kit provided by county or BPHL.
 
If obtaining collection kits through the county, contact the environmental health for that county. If obtaining collection kits through the BPHL, the collection kits can be picked up at the lab at the specimen delivery drive thru Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
 
Collection Instructions
Using sanitary technique, follow the instructions provided with collection kit to collect at least 100mL of water sample.
 
Shipping/Delivery Instructions
Water sample must be collected and delivered to the laboratory the same day. Water sample must be colder than 10°C (50°F) at delivery.
Recommend to be transported to the lab on ice in a cooler.
 
Turnaround Time
36 hours
 
Additional Information
Please contact BPHL if testing is required for sewage spills, hurricane response, or beach water testing outside of normal season.
 
Please contact BPHL if testing is required in emergency situations outside of normal service hours.