The standards of The NELAC Institute (TNI Standards) incorporate the revised international standards for the competency of calibration and testing laboratories in ISO 17025. Thus, the updating of environmental testing laboratory certification criteria in Chapter 64E-1, F.A.C., to the most recent TNI Standards enhances the acceptability of reported test data as relevant for clients’ intended uses. The proposed effective date is consistent with the Florida Administrative Procedures Act and the desired implementation schedule of TNI. Other proposed amendments are intended to better protect public health by requiring certified laboratories that detect unsafe levels of chemical and microbiological contaminants in Drinking Water to report those exceedances in a timely manner directly to the State regulatory authority. In addition, amendments to the application and licensing fees required for certification are proposed so that the department can adequately cover the operational expenses of the program as required by statute.