Florida Pollutant Storage Systems Contractor License

Pollutant storage systems contractors install, repair and remove the tanks, piping and dispensing equipment used to store fuel and other regulated pollutants. It is a statutory Division II category, and the work is governed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) tank rules as well as the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

What the license covers

F.S. 489.105(3)(p) defines the contractor as one "whose services are limited to, and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law," pollutant storage tanks. Anyone installing a pollutant storage tank must follow the standards adopted under F.S. 376.303.

Two related definitions in the same section:

Pollutant storage tank (489.105(17)): a tank, with associated piping or dispensing facilities, that is or could be used to store or supply pollutants as defined in F.S. 376.301 and must be registered under the DEP tank rule.
Tank (489.105(18)): any container other than one that is aboveground and elevated or on an impermeable surface (or in an accessible underground area and so situated) such that a leak would be readily detected.

The DEP connection

CILB rule 61G4-15.027 adopts DEP rule chapter 62-761 as the board's operating standards for pollutant storage system specialty contractors and says the board's rules do not override DEP's standards. In practice you work to both.

The CILB rule chapter also has separate rules for precision tank testers (61G4-15.028) and tank lining applicators (61G4-15.029).

Certified vs registered

Certified contractors may contract statewide; registered contractors only where they met local competency requirements (F.S. 489.105(8), (10)).

Eligibility

F.S. 489.111(2): age 18, good moral character, and an experience route (4 years as a skilled worker or foreman with 1 year as foreman, a relevant degree plus 1 year, or a listed combination with college credit).

The exams

Exam	Scored questions	Time	Passing score
Business and Finance	120	6.5 hours	70%
Pollutant Storage trade knowledge	80	5 hours	70%

Content outline

Area	Topic	Share
A	Pre-installation and site preparation	7%
B	Material handling	5%
C	Excavating	10%
D	Supports and anchorage	7%
E	Backfill	10%
F	Tank installation	12%
G	Piping, valves and fittings	14%
H	Above tank covering	5%
I	Leak detection	10%
J	Cathodic protection systems	5%
K	Tank removal and abandonment	10%
L	Equipment	5%

Reference list overview

DEP Petroleum Storage Systems rules, Chapters 62-761 and 62-762
DEP petroleum storage tank facility inspection guide
PEI RP100 (UST installation), RP200 (AST installation) and RP300 (vapor recovery)
API RP 1604 (closure of underground storage tanks)
NFPA 30 and 30A
Damage Prevention Guide (F.S. Chapter 556)
Walker's estimator; OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 and Title 29, Part 1900

Exam volume

Pearson VUE exam performance reports show 11 graded pollutant storage attempts in 2025 and 7 in 2024. It is one of the smallest CILB exams.

Steps

Document tank installation experience under 489.111.
Register with Professional Testing, Inc.; schedule both exams at Pearson VUE.
Pass both at 70%.
Apply to the CILB, and confirm any separate DEP requirements for your work.

FAQ

Do aboveground tanks count? The statutory definition of "tank" excludes containers that are aboveground and elevated or on an impermeable surface where a leak would be readily detected. Aboveground systems are still on the exam (PEI RP200), so check the specific tank against the definitions and DEP rules.

Is tank removal covered? Yes. Tank removal and abandonment is 10% of the exam.

Who regulates the installation standards? DEP. Rule 61G4-15.027 adopts chapter 62-761 as the board's operating standards.

Next step

Pollutant storage candidates also take the Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.