1
Florida (FL) Septic Tank Contractor
Practice Exam 2026
What is the minimum setback distance for a septic tank from a private potable well?
A. 50 feet
B. 75 feet
C. 100 feet
D. 25 feet
Rationale: 62-6.005(1)(a), FAC, requires a 75-foot minimum separation to
prevent well contamination.
A standard septic tank must be divided into how many compartments?
A. One
B. At least two
C. At least three
D. Four
Rationale: To ensure proper solids separation, Florida code requires a multi-
compartment tank (usually 2/3 and 1/3 split).
What is the minimum unobstructed area required for a single-family residence with a
3-bedroom home?
A. High enough to accommodate the system and required 100%
replacement area
B. 500 square feet
C. 1,000 square feet
D. There is no minimum
Rationale: Florida rules require enough "unobstructed" area to fit both the initial
system and a future replacement area.
, 2
"Moderately Limited" soil (Texture Group III) generally includes which type of soil?
A. Fine sand
B. Sandy clay loam
C. Heavy clay
D. Gravel
Rationale: Soil classification tables in 62-6 categorize loams as moderately
limited for sewage absorption.
A septic tank "repair" permit is required when:
A. The owner wants a new toilet.
B. You are pumping the tank only.
C. Any component of the system (tank or drainfield) is replaced.
D. You are adding a fence near the system.
Rationale: Any modification or replacement of an existing system component
requires a permit from the local health office.
What is the minimum required effective capacity of a septic tank for a 2-bedroom,
1200 sq. ft. home?
A. 750 gallons
B. 900 gallons
C. 1050 gallons
D. 1200 gallons
Rationale: 62-6 Table II establishes 900 gallons as the minimum capacity for a
home of this size.
The bottom of the drainfield must be maintained at least ____ inches above the
seasonal high-water table.
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 48 inches
Rationale: This 24-inch "unsaturated zone" is critical for the aerobic treatment of
effluent before it hits groundwater.
When must a septic contractor's registration be renewed in Florida?
A. Every two years
B. Annually by September 30
C. Every year on your birthday
, 3
D. Every 5 years
Rationale: Florida law requires annual renewal of contractor registrations to
remain active.
Which of the following is considered "Severely Limited" soil for a drainfield?
A. Muck or Organic Soils
B. Coarse sand
C. Fine sand
D. Silt loam
Rationale: Organic soils like muck do not drain or treat effluent effectively and are
severely limited.
A "Master Contractor" must have been registered for at least ____ consecutive
years before applying.
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Rationale: Master status requires three years of active, violation-free registration
as a contractor.
What is the minimum setback from a septic tank to a property line?
A. 2 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
Rationale: 62-6 requirements specify a 5-foot setback from the system to
property lines.
The maximum depth of a drainfield (bottom of the aggregate) is:
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 30 inches (without a variance)
D. 48 inches
Rationale: To ensure oxygen reaches the bacteria in the drainfield, depths
greater than 30 inches below the surface are generally restricted.
, 4
How many inches of "cover" (soil) are required over a septic tank?
A. 2 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 12 inches
D. 24 inches
Rationale: A minimum of 6 inches of soil cover is required for protection and
safety.
What is the minimum vertical distance between the inlet and outlet of a septic tank?
A. 1 inch
B. 2 inches
C. 3 inches
D. 5 inches
Rationale: The 3-inch drop ensures that sewage flows in the correct direction and
prevents backups.
An "abandoned" septic tank must be:
A. Left alone
B. Filled with water
C. Pumped out and filled with sand or clean soil
D. Dug up and removed only
Rationale: Abandonment procedures require pumping and filling to prevent future
cave-ins or sinkholes.
Who is authorized to sign off on a "Site Evaluation" for a new septic system?
A. Any plumber
B. A Registered Septic Tank Contractor or Professional Engineer
C. The homeowner
D. The realtor
Rationale: Site evaluations are technical documents that require professional
licensure/registration.
If a septic tank is located under a driveway, it must:
A. Be made of plastic
B. Be reinforced to handle the weight load
C. Be painted blue
D. There is no specific rule
Florida (FL) Septic Tank Contractor
Practice Exam 2026
What is the minimum setback distance for a septic tank from a private potable well?
A. 50 feet
B. 75 feet
C. 100 feet
D. 25 feet
Rationale: 62-6.005(1)(a), FAC, requires a 75-foot minimum separation to
prevent well contamination.
A standard septic tank must be divided into how many compartments?
A. One
B. At least two
C. At least three
D. Four
Rationale: To ensure proper solids separation, Florida code requires a multi-
compartment tank (usually 2/3 and 1/3 split).
What is the minimum unobstructed area required for a single-family residence with a
3-bedroom home?
A. High enough to accommodate the system and required 100%
replacement area
B. 500 square feet
C. 1,000 square feet
D. There is no minimum
Rationale: Florida rules require enough "unobstructed" area to fit both the initial
system and a future replacement area.
, 2
"Moderately Limited" soil (Texture Group III) generally includes which type of soil?
A. Fine sand
B. Sandy clay loam
C. Heavy clay
D. Gravel
Rationale: Soil classification tables in 62-6 categorize loams as moderately
limited for sewage absorption.
A septic tank "repair" permit is required when:
A. The owner wants a new toilet.
B. You are pumping the tank only.
C. Any component of the system (tank or drainfield) is replaced.
D. You are adding a fence near the system.
Rationale: Any modification or replacement of an existing system component
requires a permit from the local health office.
What is the minimum required effective capacity of a septic tank for a 2-bedroom,
1200 sq. ft. home?
A. 750 gallons
B. 900 gallons
C. 1050 gallons
D. 1200 gallons
Rationale: 62-6 Table II establishes 900 gallons as the minimum capacity for a
home of this size.
The bottom of the drainfield must be maintained at least ____ inches above the
seasonal high-water table.
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 48 inches
Rationale: This 24-inch "unsaturated zone" is critical for the aerobic treatment of
effluent before it hits groundwater.
When must a septic contractor's registration be renewed in Florida?
A. Every two years
B. Annually by September 30
C. Every year on your birthday
, 3
D. Every 5 years
Rationale: Florida law requires annual renewal of contractor registrations to
remain active.
Which of the following is considered "Severely Limited" soil for a drainfield?
A. Muck or Organic Soils
B. Coarse sand
C. Fine sand
D. Silt loam
Rationale: Organic soils like muck do not drain or treat effluent effectively and are
severely limited.
A "Master Contractor" must have been registered for at least ____ consecutive
years before applying.
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Rationale: Master status requires three years of active, violation-free registration
as a contractor.
What is the minimum setback from a septic tank to a property line?
A. 2 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
Rationale: 62-6 requirements specify a 5-foot setback from the system to
property lines.
The maximum depth of a drainfield (bottom of the aggregate) is:
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 30 inches (without a variance)
D. 48 inches
Rationale: To ensure oxygen reaches the bacteria in the drainfield, depths
greater than 30 inches below the surface are generally restricted.
, 4
How many inches of "cover" (soil) are required over a septic tank?
A. 2 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 12 inches
D. 24 inches
Rationale: A minimum of 6 inches of soil cover is required for protection and
safety.
What is the minimum vertical distance between the inlet and outlet of a septic tank?
A. 1 inch
B. 2 inches
C. 3 inches
D. 5 inches
Rationale: The 3-inch drop ensures that sewage flows in the correct direction and
prevents backups.
An "abandoned" septic tank must be:
A. Left alone
B. Filled with water
C. Pumped out and filled with sand or clean soil
D. Dug up and removed only
Rationale: Abandonment procedures require pumping and filling to prevent future
cave-ins or sinkholes.
Who is authorized to sign off on a "Site Evaluation" for a new septic system?
A. Any plumber
B. A Registered Septic Tank Contractor or Professional Engineer
C. The homeowner
D. The realtor
Rationale: Site evaluations are technical documents that require professional
licensure/registration.
If a septic tank is located under a driveway, it must:
A. Be made of plastic
B. Be reinforced to handle the weight load
C. Be painted blue
D. There is no specific rule
