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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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The Onsite Sewage Program has moved to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Contact the Statewide Headquarters of the Onsite Sewage Program

850-245-4070
OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov
Mailing Address
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water Resource Management
Onsite Sewage Program
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3596
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Starting January 2, 2025, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will manage septic system permitting in 16 counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington. For more information, visit DEP’s Onsite Sewage Program webpage. If you live outside these 16 counties, your local county health department will still handle septic system permitting and inspections.
Since July 1, 2021, the DEP has been in charge of enforcing Florida laws and rules about Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS).
If you have any questions, email OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), commonly referred to as septic systems, are a safe and effective means of wastewater disposal for 30% of Florida’s population.

The OSTDS program ensures that the OSTDS is properly designed, constructed, and maintained through permitting and inspection and contributes to safe ground water, which provides 90% of Florida’s drinking water.

Governing Authority and Forms

Bill Pay

Environmental Health bills and fees can be paid in-person, by mail, or through our online bill pay site.

Location and Contact Information

Find local contact information at the following FDOH-location-finder

Private Provider Inspections

Starting July 1, 2022, owners or contractors with owner authorization, have the option to hire a private provider to perform inspections of OSTDS.

DEP has begun implementation of this new law. Visit private provider inspections of OSTDS for more information.

OSTDS Operating Permits

Only apply to counties that use operating permits.

Operating permits are required for aerobic treatment units (ATU), performance based treatments systems (PBTS), commercial septic systems, and industrial or manufacturing zoned (or equivalent) septic systems.