Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) - Operators Certificate Program

You can check on the certification status of a Florida DEP Certified Operator by visiting the site below, typing in the last name or license number, and selecting the search button.

http://ocp.dep.state.fl.us

License Renewal Information

A reminder to water and wastewater plant operators in the State of Florida: All licenses are renewed on a two-year cycle. This means that all licenses must be renewed by April 30, in odd-numbered years to continue performing the duties of an operator. A license is categorized into one of two statuses. A license will be maintained in either an Active or Inactive status. Active Status - Licenses in Active status are considered to be in good standing in which the operator is allowed to work. Generally, this means that the licensee has complied with all licensure and renewal requirements and has not had their license suspended or revoked. Inactive Status – Licenses in an Inactive status are considered to be delinquent and the operator is prohibited from working. Generally, this means that the licensee has not complied with all requirements to renew their license. Usually, the licensee has failed to pay the required renewal fee and/or complete the required amount of continuing education. An inactive license that is not reactivated before the end of the current biennial licensure period shall expire and become Null & Void. The licensee will then be required to apply as an original candidate for examination and restart the certification process. No exceptions.

Renewal Notices

As a courtesy to each licensee, the department mails a renewal notice to every licensee (Active & Inactive) ninety (90) days prior to the license expiration date. The renewal notices are sent to the current address of record on file with the Operator Certification Program. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the licensee to monitor the expiration date of their license and to provide the department with accurate and current information. Each renewal notice will contain the following information:
  • Licensee’s name, address, license type & license level
  • Instructions on how to renew
  • Applicable Renewal Fee(s)
  • Current number of CEUs completed
  • Required number of CEUs
  • Space for Address/Name changes
By submitting the appropriate fees for renewal to the Department, a licensee affirms compliance with all requirements for renewal, including continuing education credits. Failure to comply with license renewal requirements, or making a false statement as to such compliance, will subject the applicant to disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.

Renewal Fees

The following tables show the applicable fees required for renewal. Please make all checks or money orders payable to: Department of Environmental Protection. Active License Renewal Fees
On or Before Expiration Date License Levels After the Expiration Date
$75 Level A $175
$75 Level B $175
$75 Level C $175
$50 Level D $150
Inactive License Renewal Fees
On or Before Expiration Date License Levels After the Expiration Date
$250 Level A License becomes Null & Void
$250 Level B License becomes Null & Void
$250 Level C License becomes Null & Void
$200 Level D License becomes Null & Void

Required Continuing Education (CEUs) Hours

CEUs are required for the renewal of operator licenses. This requirement became effective for licenses renewed after the April 30, 2001 expiration date. CEUs must be received and approved by the Department for credit to be given. The required number of units shall be earned within the current licensure cycle. Completing an approved training course for the next higher level of license during a renewal cycle will satisfy the CEU requirement for that cycle. A request for renewal shall be denied if required continuing education cannot be confirmed. Additionally, the renewal fee shall not be refunded if the license is denied because of insufficient continuing education units. Topics for continuing education include operation and control of a treatment plant, troubleshooting treatment processes, health and safety, employee and community right-to-know notification procedures, toxic and hazardous materials handling procedures, solids and residuals control, supervision and management, basic chemistry and biology, mathematics of the treatment process, laboratory sampling procedures, equipment maintenance and repair, computer applications for water or wastewater treatment, blueprint reading, government rules, and procedures.

Denial of License Renewal

The Department shall deny an application for renewal of a license for any of the following reasons:
  • Submission of false or misleading information on the renewal request.
  • Submission of a non-redeemable check with the renewal request.
  • Failure to supply information needed to complete renewal request.
  • Fraud or cheating on an examination.
  • Revoked or suspended license in Florida or another state.
  • Failure to complete the required amount of continuing education.
Upon denial of renewal of a license, the Department shall give written notice to the person involved. Within 21 days from receipt of the notice, the person affected may petition for an administrative hearing under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. Need further assistance or information regarding the program?

Operator Certification Program Bureau of Water Facilities Funding 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3506 Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 850-245-7500

Beginning April 2005, CEUs from accredited courses will count towards your next license renewal. SEDA is in the process of obtaining accreditation for all of our offered courses, including the Membrane Operator's Certification (MOC) school, our seminars, as well as our hands-on training workshops. Let SEDA help you obtain your required CEUs!

SEDA will offer CEU's (pending for upcoming events until as certified by FDEP) for all of our seminars and courses!!!