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Section 6 Updated: 2025-06-01

6. Evaluation and Conformity Assessment

6.1 Inspector’s Roles and Responsibilities

The inspector’s primary responsibility is to verify that the completed project has met the applicable FWS criteria. The inspector reviews the Applicant’s submission for compliance with the FWS Program, completes an inspection upon completion of the project, maintains inspection records, and submits the project to the Administrator for certification.

6.2 Inspector Training, Testing, Apprenticeship, and Continuing Education

6.2.1 Training

All individuals wishing to become an approved Florida Water Star Inspector must undergo an SJRWMD approved training course and pass the FWS Inspector exams. Courses may be delivered online. Individuals interested in becoming inspectors should have a baseline understanding of general building practices and specific knowledge in the areas of landscape and irrigation. Inspection experience is also helpful.

6.2.2 Exams

Exams typically occur after the last day of training. The exams are online and contain four sections: general, landscape, irrigation and indoor.

Passing Requirements:

  • Inspector must obtain a minimum score of 80% on each section of the exam
  • If an inspector does not receive 80% in any section of the exam, they may retake that section no more than twice within three months of their FWS Program training

Status: Inspectors passing the exam will become “apprentice” inspectors.

6.2.3 Apprenticeship

Each apprentice inspector will be required to demonstrate two successful inspections, as determined by the SJRWMD. The apprenticeship period should be completed within one year of initial FWS Program training.

Requirements for Full Inspector Status: Upon completion of the apprentice period, prospective inspectors must sign into the Administrator’s data portal and agree the FWS Program’s Terms and Conditions and Code of Ethics prior to submitting any reports.

6.2.4 Continuing Education

A minimum of six hours of SJRWMD approved continuing education must be completed annually. Evidence of successfully receiving CEUs shall be provided to the Administrator within 30 days of completing the CEU course.

6.3 Project Review Protocol

6.3.1 Landscape

Design Verification

Using the design drawing, the inspector verifies that the site meets FWS Program requirements.

Residential Properties

For residential properties, verification shall include confirming the square footage of:

  • Landscaped area
  • Turf grass area
  • Planting areas/beds
  • Tree shade area
  • Preserved areas (if any)

Plant Selection Verification

It is recommended that inspectors use the Waterwise Plant Database or Florida Friendly Landscaping database to verify site appropriateness of landscape plants.

Commercial/Institutional Properties

For Commercial/Institutional properties, the inspector must verify whether the landscape can survive within the irrigation water budget.

6.3.2 Irrigation

Design Verification

Using the design drawing, the inspector verifies that the irrigation system meets FWS Program requirements.

Zone and Equipment Validation

Inspectors shall validate that all zones and equipment are present or operational in accordance with criteria.

Controller Documentation

Inspector shall verify that the necessary documents are posted adjacent to the irrigation controller.

Water Budget Verification

For Commercial/Institutional properties, the inspector must verify the accuracy of the irrigation water budget.

6.3.3 Indoor Plumbing and Water Using Appliances

Photo-documentation should be retained by the Inspection Company, as deemed necessary, to prove indoor requirements are met and where required, points achievement.

6.4 Random Sampling

For large projects, the inspector may apply to the Administrator for permission to perform random residential inspections, rather than inspect every dwelling unit or structure.

Requirements:

  • The Applicant’s drawings must demonstrate that all properties or dwelling units are similar
  • Conformity with FWS requirements can be achieved with random inspections

Typical Sampling Schedule:

  • One unit inspected for every five dwelling units
  • Final sampling rates are determined by the Program Administrator on a project-specific basis

6.5 Applicant’s Role and Responsibilities

The Applicant is responsible for meeting the requirements of the applicable FWS certification including but not limited to the following:

6.5.1 Information and Documentation

Providing information and documentation necessary for verification of criteria for certification.

6.5.2 Cooperation

Cooperation in the inspection process of properties submitted for certification.

6.5.3 Quality Commitment

Commitment to the applicable FWS Program criteria by adhering to your company’s quality control procedures.

6.6 Project Submittals

6.6.1 Inspection Company Selection

For residential projects, the Applicant must designate a FWS Inspection Company for the project. This selection should occur as early as feasible in the landscape design process to help minimize problems during the certification.

Finding Inspection Companies: A list of active Inspection Companies is on the FWS website: www.floridawaterstar.com

6.6.2 Documentation Requirements

Documentation supporting FWS Certificate of Conformity must be submitted to the Inspection Company, who shall be responsible for maintaining records in accordance with the FWS Program and subsequent applicable submission to the Administrator through the Triconic Portal.

6.7 Plan Review Submissions

6.7.1 Drawing Requirements

Applicant shall submit drawings to the Inspection Company that include the irrigation and landscape details. Electronic documents are preferred.

Drawing Standards:

  • Drawings shall be clearly readable and to scale
  • Drawings must include a date, legend, scale and direction marker

6.7.2 Landscape Submission Requirements

6.7.2.1 Plant Selection

  • Scientific and common name of species
  • Total plants for each species

6.7.2.2 Turf and Planting Area

  • Square feet and type of turf grass
  • Square feet of total landscaped area
  • Square feet of each planting area/bed

6.7.2.3 Site Conditions

Narrative or graphic representation to describe the shade or sun and soil conditions of the site.

6.7.3 Irrigation Submission Requirements

6.7.3.1 Layout and Piping

  • Layout plan showing zones and irrigation coverage
  • Pipe location, type and size

6.7.3.2 Sprinkler Equipment

  • Sprinkler head locations and spacing
  • Sprinkler head type and application rate
  • Micro irrigation type and application rate
  • Location of heads with check valves

6.7.3.3 Controllers and Sensors

  • Location of soil moisture sensor probe, when applicable
  • Location of irrigation controller
  • All relevant pressure regulation

6.7.3.4 Water Source and Zoning

  • Water source identification
  • Location and area of irrigation zones

6.8 Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances Submission

The submission for plumbing fixtures and appliances should include a schedule with the specifications of the fixtures and water-using appliances. The schedule must detail the specifications, model numbers, and relevant flow rates for all fixtures and water-using appliances.

6.9 Contracting with Applicants

A FWS approved Inspection Company is required to be chosen by the Applicant. Inspection Companies may also solicit for Applicants using their own sales and marketing activities.

Administrator’s Role:

  • The Administrator does not assign Inspection Companies or inspectors to projects
  • Does not participate in financial arrangements between Applicants and Inspection Companies

Inspection Company Responsibility: The Inspection Company is responsible for ensuring Applicant agrees to the FWS Program’s Terms and Conditions in the Administrator’s Portal.