Device Quick Reference
| Device | Abbrev | Hazard Level | Annual Test? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Gap | AG | Any | No | $50-$200 |
| Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker | AVB | Low | No | $20-$80 |
| Pressure Vacuum Breaker | PVB | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $200-$600 |
| Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker | SVB | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $250-$700 |
| Double Check Valve Assembly | DC/DCVA | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $400-$1,200 |
| Reduced Pressure Zone | RP/RPBA | High | Yes (annual) | $600-$2,000 |
| Double Check Detector Assembly | DCDA | Low-Medium | Yes (annual) | $800-$2,500 |
| Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly | RPDA | High | Yes (annual) | $1,200-$3,500 |
FL Rule 62-555.360 FAC requires annual testing of all RP, DC, PVB, and SVB assemblies by a certified tester. Test reports submitted to the utility within 30 days.
Device Selection by Application
| Application | FL Required Device | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Residential irrigation (no chemicals) | PVB or DC | Medium hazard, soil contact |
| Irrigation with fertilizer inject | RP | High hazard — chemical risk |
| Pool/spa autofill | RP or AG | High hazard — chemical contamination |
| Hose bib / outside faucet | AVB or hose-bibb VP | Low hazard, non-testable ok |
| Commercial irrigation | DC or RP | Depends on hazard assessment |
| Fire suppression (no additives) | DC or DCDA | Low hazard — clean water |
| Fire suppression (antifreeze) | RP or RPDA | High hazard — chemical |
| Boiler/closed loop HVAC | RP | High hazard — treatment chemicals |
| Reclaimed water irrigation | AG or RP | Cross-connection prevention |
Annual Backflow Test Requirements
FL Rule 62-555.360 FAC: All testable backflow prevention assemblies connected to potable water must be tested annually by a State-certified tester. Failure to test can result in water service disconnection.
- Test frequency: Annual (every 12 months)
- Who can test: FL DEP-certified backflow tester
- Report deadline: 30 days after test to utility
- Test cost (residential): $50-$150 per device
- Test cost (commercial): $75-$250 per device
- Failure penalty: Water service shutoff
FL Backflow & Irrigation Laws
FS 553.998 — Backflow Prevention: Requires all buildings connected to a potable water supply to have approved backflow prevention devices where cross-connection hazards exist. Mandates annual testing of all testable assemblies; establishes certification requirements; grants utilities authority to shut off service for non-compliance; requires property owners to maintain devices; applies to residential, commercial, and industrial; all new construction must include backflow prevention per FL Building Code.
FAC 62-555.360 — Backflow Testing: Annual testing of RP, DC, PVB, and SVB assemblies required; testing by FL DEP-certified testers; reports submitted within 30 days; repair/replacement required immediately upon failure; re-testing required after repair before returning to service; utilities must keep records for 3 years; AVB devices do not require annual testing.
FS 373.621 — Reclaimed Water Rules: Reclaimed water systems must be physically separated from potable water; no direct connection ever permitted; air gap or RP assembly required on any potable backup supply; color-coded piping required (Purple/Pantone 522C); warning labels ("DO NOT DRINK"); 10-foot setback from potable wells; FL DEP oversees reuse permitting.
FL Building Code — Irrigation: Section 608 cross-connection control for all plumbing systems; all irrigation connected to potable supply requires approved backflow assembly; permit required for new irrigation over 5 zones; FBC Table 608.1 lists approved devices by hazard degree; installation by licensed contractor (CFC or CPC); final inspection required before service.
FL Irrigation License Requirements (FS 489.1052): Licensed Plumbing Contractor (CPC) can perform all irrigation; CFC can do underground connections to potable water; irrigation-only contractor registered through FDACS; backflow tester certification is separate (FL DEP); unlicensed irrigation work is a second-degree misdemeanor.
FL Irrigation Permit Process: Step 1: Hire FL-licensed contractor. Step 2: File permit application. Step 3: Submit plans (zone layout, meter sizing, backflow spec). Step 4: Permit issued (5-10 business days residential). Step 5: Installation. Step 6: Rough inspection before burying pipes. Step 7: Final inspection including backflow and rain sensor. Step 8: Certificate of completion. Permit fees: $75-$300 residential, $200-$800 commercial.
FL Rain Sensor Law
FS 373.62: All automatic irrigation systems installed or repaired in FL must have a properly functioning rain sensor or other weather-based shutoff device. Fine: Up to $500 for violation.
Backflow Test Permit Fees by County
| County | Residential Test | Commercial Test | Install Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | $75-$150 | $150-$300 | $150-$400 |
| Broward | $60-$120 | $120-$250 | $100-$300 |
| Palm Beach | $65-$130 | $130-$260 | $125-$350 |
| Hillsborough | $50-$100 | $100-$200 | $90-$250 |
| Orange | $55-$110 | $110-$220 | $100-$275 |
| Duval | $50-$100 | $100-$200 | $85-$225 |
| Pinellas | $55-$110 | $100-$220 | $95-$250 |
| Lee | $60-$120 | $120-$240 | $100-$275 |
| All other FL counties | $50-$125 | $100-$250 | $85-$300 |
Irrigation Zone Calculator
Size your irrigation zones for FL conditions including ET rates, soil types, and head coverage. FL ET rate (summer) averages 0.25 in/day.
FL Irrigation Restrictions
Most FL water utilities restrict irrigation to 2-3 days/week. Many restrict hours to before 10 AM and after 4 PM to reduce evaporation.
| Utility / District | Days Allowed | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SFWMD (South FL) | 2 days/week (year-round) | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM |
| SWFWMD (SW FL) | 2 days/week (dry season) | Before 8 AM or after 6 PM |
| SJRWMD (NE/Central FL) | 2 days/week | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM |
| NWFWMD (Panhandle) | 3 days/week | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM |
| Hillsborough County | Odd/Even (address-based) | Before 8 AM or after 6 PM |
| Miami-Dade | 2 days/week by address | Before 8 AM or after 6 PM |
| New sod/seed | Daily for 30 days (new install) | Any hour during establishment |
FL Turf Evapotranspiration (ET) Rates
| Season | Avg Daily ET | Weekly Need | Zone Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Sep) | 0.20-0.30 in/day | 1.4-2.1 in/wk | 30-45 min |
| Fall (Oct-Nov) | 0.10-0.15 in/day | 0.7-1.1 in/wk | 15-25 min |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 0.05-0.10 in/day | 0.4-0.7 in/wk | 10-15 min |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 0.15-0.25 in/day | 1.1-1.8 in/wk | 20-35 min |
Head Spacing & Coverage
| Head Type | Typical Radius | GPM Range | Operating PSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop-up spray (fixed) | 8-15 ft | 0.5-3.0 GPM | 20-35 PSI |
| Rotor (gear-drive) | 20-45 ft | 1.0-5.0 GPM | 30-55 PSI |
| MP Rotator | 10-30 ft | 0.2-1.0 GPM | 30-45 PSI |
| Drip (per emitter) | 12-18 in | 0.1-2.0 GPH | 15-30 PSI |
| Micro-spray | 2-8 ft | 0.1-0.5 GPM | 15-25 PSI |
FL law requires head-to-head spacing for efficient coverage. Matched precipitation rates (MPR) required for heads in the same zone. Never mix rotors and spray heads in the same zone.
Smart Controller Savings
FL-approved ET-based smart controllers reduce irrigation by 20-40% compared to timer controllers by automatically adjusting run times based on local weather data. Many FL utilities offer $50-$200 rebates for smart controller installation.
Our Annual Maintenance Program
- Annual backflow test by FL DEP-certified tester
- Test report filed to your utility within 30 days
- Full irrigation system inspection (heads, valves, controller)
- Seasonal run-time adjustment per FL ET schedule
- Rain/weather sensor verification and calibration
- Priority scheduling
- 10% discount on all repair parts
- Reminder call before annual test is due