Florida Water Star Certification Manual
Edition 2.0 | Updated June 2025 | Supersedes all previous versions
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and Program Scope
Overview of the FWS Program, certification categories, and conformity assessment activities.
Key Topics:
- Program scope and authority
- Certification categories (Residential, Commercial, Community)
- Conformity assessment activities
- Technical Manual reference
Relevant to: All stakeholders
2. Governance and FWS Program Ownership
Program ownership structure and governance mechanisms.
Key Topics:
- SJRWMD ownership
- Governance structure
- Oversight and impartiality
Relevant to: Administrators, Inspectors
3. Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities
Detailed roles and responsibilities of all FWS Program participants.
Key Topics:
- SJRWMD responsibilities
- Program Administrator role
- Inspection Companies
- Accredited Professionals
- Technical Advisory Committee
- Applicant responsibilities
- Certifier role
Relevant to: All stakeholders
4. Typical Certification Flow
Step-by-step process from engagement through certificate issuance.
Key Topics:
- Engagement and initial review
- Evaluation and inspection process
- Document review
- On-site inspection procedures
- Administrator review
- Certificate issuance
- Surveillance and audits
Relevant to: Inspectors, Applicants
5. Technical Criteria and Requirements
Reference to the FWS Technical Manual for detailed technical criteria.
Key Topics:
- Technical Manual as authoritative source
- Scope of technical criteria
Relevant to: Inspectors, Applicants
6. Evaluation and Conformity Assessment
Comprehensive guidance on inspection procedures, training requirements, and project review protocols.
Key Topics:
- Inspector roles and responsibilities
- Training, testing, and apprenticeship
- Continuing education requirements
- Project review protocols (Landscape, Irrigation, Indoor)
- Random sampling procedures
- Applicant responsibilities
- Project submittals and documentation
- Contracting procedures
Relevant to: Inspectors, Applicants
7. Records and Records-Retention Policy
Policies for creating, maintaining, and disposing of FWS Program records.
Key Topics:
- Purpose and scope
- Record definitions
- Control of records
- Storage and protection
- Access and confidentiality
- Backup and disaster recovery
Relevant to: Inspectors, Administrators
8. Policy on Waivers, Modifications, and Innovative Allowances
Process for requesting and evaluating waivers, modifications, and innovative approaches.
Key Topics:
- Conditions for granting waivers
- Emerging technologies
- Site-specific constraints
- Pilot projects
- Request submission procedures
- Severity categories (Minor, Moderate, Major)
- Evaluation timelines
- Decision authorities
- Documentation requirements
Relevant to: Administrators, Applicants
9. Handling of Potential Nonconformances and Challenges to Certifications
Procedures for identifying, investigating, and resolving nonconformances and challenges.
Key Topics:
- Detection and reporting
- Classification (Minor, Major, Critical)
- Investigation procedures
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Suspension and withdrawal criteria
- Appeals process
- Third-party challenges
- Challenge Review Panel procedures
- Deposit requirements ($500)
Relevant to: Administrators, Inspectors
10. Certification Validity and Renewal
Duration of certifications and requirements for recertification.
Key Topics:
- Certificate validity period
- Recertification triggers
- Material changes requiring recertification
Relevant to: Applicants, Administrators
Quick Reference by User Type
For Inspectors
Primary sections: 3, 4, 6, 7, 9
- Training and exam requirements → Section 6.2
- Inspection procedures → Section 6.3
- Documentation requirements → Section 6.6-6.8
- Records management → Section 7
For Applicants
Primary sections: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10
- Getting started → Section 4.1
- Required documentation → Section 6.6-6.8
- Inspection process → Section 4.2
- Requesting waivers → Section 8
- Certificate validity → Section 10
For Administrators
Primary sections: 2, 3, 7, 8, 9
- Program governance → Section 2
- Waiver evaluation → Section 8
- Handling complaints → Section 9
- Records retention → Section 7
Document Information
Copyright: © 2025 St. Johns River Water Management District. All rights reserved.
Program Website: www.floridawaterstar.com
Technical Manual: Available at www.floridawaterstar.com
Status: DRAFT - Edition 2.0