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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.

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Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal Systems (OSTDS)

Florida Department of Health in Hardee County

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, contact 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.

Commonly referred to as septic tanks, these systems provide a viable wastewater treatment and disposal option for residential and commercial applications when central sewerage service is not available.

Permits All proposed new installations, repairs, modifications, and approvals of existing systems require a permit from the Florida Department of Health in Hardee County.

Forms

Fees

  • New Onsite Septic Application with one inspection: $615
  • Additional inspections: $125
  • Existing Modification with changes: $560
  • Septic Repair: $555
  • Septic Tank Abandonment: $125
  • Existing System No Inspection / No changes: $70

Regulatory Code Chapter 62-6, Florida Administrative Code - Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems