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

Effective July 1, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for implementing the Florida Statutes and regulations applicable to OSTDS. Under Florida’s Clean Waterways Act of 2020, the county health department offices will continue to do the permitting and inspection for septic tanks; please continue to work with them for all of your permitting-related needs. If you have questions, please contact OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, commonly referred to as septic systems, are a safe and effective means of wastewater disposal for 30 percent 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 percent of Florida’s drinking water. 

The governing authorities for this program and all forms can be found at Onsite Sewage Program.

Payment Information

There are three ways to pay for invoices and fees:

In-person

  • 2295 Victoria Ave., #206, Fort Myers, FL 33901
  • 600 Homestead Dr. S, #15, Lehigh Acres, FL 33974

By mail:

2295 Victoria Avenue, #206, Fort Myers, FL 33901 

Online:

MyFloridaEHPermit.com

Helpful Guidelines for Septic Application Types

Application requirements, information, and instructions:

Check the Status of a Septic Permit Application or Inspection

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. Visit Private Provider Inspections of OSTDS  for more information.

OSTDS 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.