Well Drilling in Florida

Florida sits on top of one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world, which makes well drilling in Florida a practical choice for homeowners, farmers, and commercial properties across the state — including right here in Polk County.

Why Florida's Geology Makes Well Drilling Different

The Floridan Aquifer System runs beneath most of the state and delivers reliable groundwater at depths that vary significantly depending on where you are. In Central Florida, that means the difference between a shallow 2-inch irrigation well and a 4- to 8-inch cased drinking water well can come down to a few miles of geography and a few hundred feet of depth.

A few things that shape every well project here:

• Water table depth — Polk County's water table is relatively accessible for irrigation wells in many areas, but drinking water wells typically need to go deeper to reach clean, pressurized zones.
• Aquifer pressure — Parts of the Floridan Aquifer are artesian, meaning water rises naturally under pressure. That affects casing selection and pump sizing.
• Mineral content — Central Florida groundwater is naturally high in calcium and magnesium (hardness), and many wells also carry dissolved iron or hydrogen sulfide. What comes out of the ground isn't always ready to drink without treatment.
• Local geology — Limestone formations, clay layers, and sand pockets all influence how a well is drilled and cased. Knowing the local geology isn't optional — it's the whole job.

Three generations of drilling in the Polk County aquifer gives us a working knowledge of what's underground here that no out-of-area contractor can match. That local experience is exactly what you're paying for when you hire a well driller.

Types of Wells We Drill in Central Florida

Not every well is the same, and the right choice depends on what you need the water for.

Shallow Irrigation Wells

A 2-inch shallow irrigation well is one of the most cost-effective investments a Florida homeowner can make. If your property sits in an area with a reliable shallow water table — and much of Polk County does — a shallow well can supply your sprinkler system without touching your metered municipal water bill. Over time, that savings adds up fast.

We assess your site before drilling to confirm the water table will support a productive shallow well. If the conditions are right, this is often the fastest path to cutting your irrigation costs. Learn more on our shallow irrigation wells page.

Drinking Water and High-Volume Wells

For a private drinking water supply, agricultural use, or commercial demand, you need a 4-inch to 8-inch cased well drilled into a deeper, protected zone of the aquifer. These wells require proper casing, a correctly sized pump and pressure tank, and in most cases, some form of water treatment before the water reaches your tap.

We handle the complete installation — site evaluation, drilling, casing selection, pump sizing, and pressure tank — as part of every new well drilling project. You don't need to coordinate multiple contractors.

What to Know Before You Drill a Well in Florida

Florida has specific licensing and permitting requirements for well drilling. Any contractor drilling a well in this state must hold a Licensed Water Well Drilling Contractor credential. We are licensed, and we're a member of the Florida Ground Water Association (FGWA) — the professional organization that sets standards for the industry here.

A few things worth knowing before you start:

• Permits are required for new well construction in Florida. Your driller handles this — if a contractor isn't mentioning permits, that's a red flag.
• Setback rules apply — wells must be located a minimum distance from septic systems, property lines, and other potential contamination sources.
• Water testing matters — before you drink from a new well, test it. We offer on-site water testing and, if treatment is needed, we install water filtration and treatment systems in-house. Most contractors do one or the other; we do both.
• Don't DIY electrical or pressure tank work — if you're troubleshooting a well system, call a professional before touching any wiring, pressure switches, or tanks. The risks aren't worth it.

Dunham Well Drilling Has Served Central Florida Since 1950

Dick Dunham founded this company in 1950, and we've been drilling wells in Polk County and across Central Florida ever since — 76 years of local knowledge, local relationships, and local accountability. We're not a franchise or a call center. When you call us, you reach our 24/7 answering service (always live), and calls are returned within 48 hours.

If you're considering a new well — whether it's a shallow irrigation well to cut your water bill or a full drinking water system for your home or property — call Dunham Well Drilling at (863) 965-2881. We've been doing this work longer than most drilling companies in Florida have existed, and that experience shows up in every job we drill.