Onsite Sewage Program – moved to Department of Environmental Protection

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. 

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.

On-site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS)

The Florida Department of Health’s Environmental Public Health staff perform site evaluations, issues construction permits, and performs inspections on all OSTDS, commonly called septic systems.

To obtain a permit or get an inspection on your septic system, completed forms need to be provided.

Installation, Modification, or Abandonment

For new installation, modification/repair of an existing septic system, or tank abandonment (if you will no longer be using an existing septic system), please complete an OSTDS application. 

Santa Rosa County Ebridge Access Instructions

  • When printing the site plan (page 6), please make sure your printer is set to print at 100% and not “Scale to fit” or “Resize to fit.”

Continuing Education Units

For septic contractors who need continuing education units visit Florida Onsite Wastewater Association (FOWA) courses.