Septic Tank Abandonment

Requirements of Chapter Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.

" Whenever the use of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system is discontinued following connection to a sanitary sewer or discontinuing the use of a septic tank and replacement with another septic tank, the system shall be abandoned within 90 days and any further use of the system for any purpose shall be prohibited. However, if the Department or its designee approves the use of the retention tank where the tank is to become an integral part of a sanitary sewer system or stormwater management system, the septic tank need not be abandoned.”

Procedures for homeowners to abandon their system are as follows:

• STEP 1: Contact the utility’s customer service office for sewer connection permit and hookup requirements.

• STEP 2: Obtain an abandonment permit by completing an Application .  The cost of the permit is $100.00. 

• STEP 3: Have the tank pumped out by a licensed septage hauler and post a copy of the receipt for this service along with the permit board in a protective plastic bag.

• STEP 4: Crush or collapse the tank in a manner that will prevent the vessel from holding water, either by punching a hole in the bottom of the tank or collapsing its side walls. This work can only be done by the owner (if living in residence), a licensed septic installer, or a licensed plumbing contractor.

• STEP 5: Fill the remaining hole with clean sand or other suitable material to prevent a safety hazard, then grade and stake the tank site.

• STEP 6: After these procedures have ALL been completed, please send the pumpout receipt to Florida Department of Health Environmental Health Section LeeEH@flhealth.gov to indicate the completed abandonment is ready for inspection, or call 239-690-2100 for more information.