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. 

View DEP Governing Authority and Forms

Bill Pay 

Florida Department of Health’s environmental public health fees can be paid in-person, by mail, or through our online bill pay site.

Find a Local County Health Department

Private Provider Inspections 

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 law.

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.

OSTDS Construction 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 OSTDS 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
  • Review of Each Private Provider Inspector’s Construction Approval Inspection Report: $35