{"id":5073,"date":"2024-01-19T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-19T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ntotank.com\/blog\/?p=5073"},"modified":"2024-01-18T16:35:25","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T22:35:25","slug":"florida-septic-tank-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ntotank.com\/blog\/florida-septic-tank-requirements","title":{"rendered":"Florida Septic Tank Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Sunshine state of Florida is one of the states with the most septic tanks in use by residents and businesses in the nation. Millions of Florida residents, approximately 30% of the population, living in both rural and suburban areas rely on septic tanks for wastewater management. Septic tank systems in Florida provide these essential sanitation services and in order to protect the health of the public and Florida\u2019s environment, there is a complex network of regulations involved. In this guide on Florida septic tank requirements, we will unpack the key details surrounding septic tank systems for homeowners, businesses, and contractors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida State Septic Tank Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Florida State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP<\/a>) is the primary governing body for enforcing and overseeing septic tank regulations, guidelines, installations, and compliance with legislative code Title 29 Chapter 381 Public Health Section 381.0065<\/a> for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems. The Florida DEP has a subdepartment, the Onsite Sewage Program<\/a>, that focuses exclusively on responsible waste disposal and onsite sewer systems. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From the DEP, permitting and inspection of septic tank systems are handled by the Florida Department of Health (DOH<\/a>) Environmental Health division and delegated to each county. Due to this and the variance in regional geography, local county health departments<\/a> may have different and more specific regulations compared to the state. With septic tanks, it is always important to check with local authorities when planning to ensure your system will be in compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida Septic Tank Definitions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the state of Florida, what is commonly referred to as a septic tank is officially known and referred to in guidance documents as an Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System, abbreviated OSTDS. This term is used by the various overseeing state departments to refer to the entire system and its components, whether it is a standard subsurface system or a mound drainfield system, an aerobic treatment unit, or an experimental septic tank system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Florida State definition here appreciates that these systems are not merely storage units for waste, but active treatment and disposal systems that play a critical role in managing the wastewater generated by people on properties not connected to a municipal sewer system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Install My Own Septic Tank in Florida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The question “Can I install my own septic tank in Florida?” is often asked by property owners looking at their options when building their own home. The answer, however, is somewhat unclear as guidance seems to state both professional installation is required and a homeowner can be exempt from the professional requirements for the construction of their own home\u2019s septic tank. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The following quote is taken directly from the Florida law code for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA property owner who personally performs construction, maintenance, or repairs to a system serving his or her own owner-occupied single-family residence is exempt from registration requirements for performing such construction, maintenance, or repairs on that residence, but is subject to all permitting requirements.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installation Requirements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Florida law and the FDEP say<\/a> that all septic tank installations are to be performed by a registered contractor licensed to build septic tank systems or by a state certified plumber. However, the FDEP also says if the property owner chooses to perform the construction on their own owner-occupied single-family residence, they can be considered exempt from the registration requirements but will still have to perform the necessary site evaluations and permitting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Professional Installation?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons why professional installation is recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n