CPO certification by state
CPO Certification in Florida
Florida requires anyone who services public pools for a third party to hold an approved pool service technician certification, and CPO is one of the courses the Department of Health accepts.
Who sets the rules
Florida Statutes 514.075 and the Department of Health's rule 64E-9.018, enforced by county health departments.
What the rules say
- The pool's own permitted operator and their direct employees are exempt. The requirement applies to third-party technicians.
- An approved course runs at least 16 hours and ends with a test of at least 50 questions, with a 70% pass mark.
- Proof of certification has to be posted in the pool's equipment room.
- Condominium and homeowners' association pools with 32 or fewer units are largely exempt, although their water still has to meet the quality standards.
- The statute says the certificate does not imply any licensure, so it is not a contractor's licence.
Running a pool service business
- Cleaning and water treatment don't need a contractor's licence.
- Repairing or replacing equipment, heaters or piping, refinishing, or draining a pool for repairs needs a pool/spa servicing contractor licence: certified for statewide work, or registered for work in the area that issued it.
Getting certified in Florida
CPO classes run in person, as a blended online course with a shorter in-person day, and in formats that keep the exam proctored. The CPO certification guide explains the formats, typical costs and renewal, and how to find a class near you.
Questions
- Does Florida require a certified pool operator?
- Florida requires anyone who services public pools for a third party to hold an approved pool service technician certification, and CPO is one of the courses the Department of Health accepts. Florida Statutes 514.075 and the Department of Health's rule 64E-9.018, enforced by county health departments.
- Do you need a licence to run a pool service business in Florida?
- Cleaning and water treatment don't need a contractor's licence. Repairing or replacing equipment, heaters or piping, refinishing, or draining a pool for repairs needs a pool/spa servicing contractor licence: certified for statewide work, or registered for work in the area that issued it.
For pool service companies
Readings, Doses and Service History From Every Stop
Pool Runs gives every technician a mobile app that logs the readings, works out the doses for each pool, and keeps the service history, even offline in a backyard with no signal.