NOTICE: 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, County Health Department offices will continue to do the permitting and inspection for septic tanks.

NOTICE: 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.

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.

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.

OSTDS Operating Permits

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County’s (DOH-Seminole) Environmental Public Health Program issues permits for OSTDS in Seminole County.

Permit Process