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Septic Tank Abandonment Application

Environmental Health

Avoid Costly Repairs - Pump Your Septic Tank Every 3-5 Years

Septic Tank Abandonment

When a homeowner stops using an onsite sewage treatment system (like a septic tank) because they have connected to a city sewer system or replaced it with another septic tank, they must stop using the old system within 90 days. After that, they cannot use it for anything else.

 However, if the Florida Department of Health (DOH) or its representative says it’s okay to use the old tank as part of a city sewer or stormwater system, the homeowner does not have to stop using it. This regulation is established in Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.

Septic tank abandonment must be completed within 90 days following the connection to public sewer.

Septic Tank Abandonment Application Process

STEP 1:

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

STEP 2:

Submit a completed  Abandonment Application Permit. The cost of the permit is $100.00. Pay online by visiting MyFloridaEHPermit.com. Applications may be sent via email to LeeEH@flhealth.gov.

 *To check the status of a septic permit application or inspection, use our new Septic Online Services page for quick access to the information. 

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, send the pump out receipt via email to DOH-Lee at LeeEH@flhealth.gov.

Please add in the body of the email the abandonment was completed and is ready for inspection.

For additional information, call 239-690-2100.