It's a New Day in Public Health.
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.
Onsite Sewage Disposal (Septic Systems)
Environmental Health
- 239-690-2100
- LeeEH@flhealth.gov
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Fax
239-690-2101 -
Mailing Address
2295 Victoria Avenue, #206
Fort Myers, FL 33901
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TTY users can contact us through Florida Relay by dialing 7-1-1 or one of the other Relay Toll Free Numbers.
State of Florida - Onsite Sewage Programs This section develops statewide rules and provides training and standardization for Health Department employees.
EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency This site offers valuable information and resources to manage onsite wastewater systems in a manner that is protective of public health and the environment and allows communities to grow and prosper.
- SepticSmart
- Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
- A Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems
NOWRA - The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association The largest organization within the U.S. dedicated solely to educating and representing members within the onsite and decentralized industry.
Pipeline Newsletter - The National Small Flows ClearinghouseEach quarterly issue of Pipeline focuses on a single wastewater topic and presents it in an easy-to-read format.
NESC - National Environmental Services CenterThey have an extensive holding of free and low-cost educational publications.
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Health Services Program Onsite Wastewater
FOWA - Florida Onsite Wastewater AssociationThe Florida Onsite Wastewater Association is an organized group of those engaged in the manufacturing, installation, repair or maintenance of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.
The Onsite Sewage Program has moved to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
NOTE: 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 https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage.
Bill Pay
Environmental Health bills and fees can be paid in person or by mail at the address below or you can visit our bill pay site at MyFloridaEHPermit.com.
Location & 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 | Florida Department of Environmental Protection 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.
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