Property Owners with Septic Tanks - Frequently Asked Questions
A new law passed in 2012 (HB 1263) that changes the law related to when to have your septic system evaluated. The law gives local governments the choice to adopt an evaluation program for their area or not.
A county or municipality where a first magnitude spring is located must decide whether or not to require an evaluation program for their area by January 1, 2013. All other counties may choose to adopt the program in their area at any time.
- Do I live in an area where I need to have my septic system evaluated?
- What is a first magnitude spring and why does it matter to me as a property owner?
- How does my local government choose to begin a septic system evaluation program?
- If my county adopts a septic system evaluation program, when will it go into effect?
- If my county chooses to adopt a septic system evaluation program, who do I contact to do the evaluations?
- If my county chooses to adopt a septic system evaluation program, what would an evaluation require?
- I am a property owner with a septic system. When should my septic system need a repair or upgrade?
- What does a septic system evaluation cost?
- Who submits a septic system evaluation report and report fee?
- If my septic system is in failure what will it cost for a repair?
- Is there any financial aid that the state can provide for repairs to septic systems?
- Is a pump-out of my septic tank required during the evaluation?
- Are there any exemptions from the evaluation program?
- Who may I call with any other questions?
Do I live in an area where I need to have my septic system evaluated?
Under the newest law, local governments have the choice of whether to require a septic tank evaluation program for their area. To see what decision your local government has currently made about septic tank evaluation, please go here.
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What is a first magnitude spring and why does it matter to me as a property owner?
Springs are areas where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground. The largest springs are called "first-magnitude" springs. These springs generally discharge 100 cubic feet of water per second or around 64.6 million gallons each day.
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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) currently lists 32 first magnitude springs in 18 counties and 3 cities around the state. They are: Alachua, Bay, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Taylor, Volusia, and Wakulla Counties and the cities of High Springs, Fanning Springs, and Weeki Wachee.
If you live in one of these areas, your local government will decide on whether or not to require an evaluation program by January 1, 2013.
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How does my local government choose to begin a septic system evaluation program?
Local governments where there is a first magnitude spring must either adopt the evaluation program by passing a local ordinance or opt out by a vote of the governing board. Counties without these springs may pass an ordinance at any time if they choose.
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If my county adopts a septic system evaluation program, when will it go into effect?
The local governing board will pick their own program start dates.
If my county chooses to adopt a septic system evaluation program, who do I contact to do the evaluations?
A qualified contractor must do the evaluations. They may be a septic tank contractor, a master septic tank contractor, a professional engineer, or a certified environmental health professional.
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If my county chooses to adopt a septic system evaluation program, what would an evaluation require?
If your county or city has adopted a local ordinance, a system owner must have their system evaluated by a qualified contractor every five years. It will include a tank pump out and certification of the tank. It will also call for an evaluation of your drainfields size, placement and state of upkeep. If you wish, you may also ask for a check of the system's pumps and alarms.
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I am a property owner with a septic system. When should my septic system need a repair or upgrade?
Repairs are required when a failure occurs. A failure is defined as a condition that causes the discharge of untreated wastewater onto the ground surface or surface water. A system is not in failure if it does not have the minimum separation distance between the drainfield and the wettest season water table.
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What does a septic system evaluation cost?
Each contractor sets their own price. The price may vary based on the size and complexity of your system. A contractor will also factor in the cost of your areas sewage disposal. A typical pump out for a standard 1,000 gallon septic tank costs around $250. Local government will set fees for who? to submit the evaluation report. You should expect the total cost to be around $500 - $600.
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Who submits a septic system evaluation report and report fee?
The contractor who performs the evaluation must submit the report and report fee to the county health department. The contractor must also give the owner a copy of the report.
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If my septic system is in failure what will it cost for a repair?
Cost for repairs will vary. It depends on the work needed to repair the system. It could mean you need to replace your tank. It could mean you must replace your entire system. Costs for repairs could range from $1000 to $5000.
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Is there any financial aid that the state can provide for repairs to septic systems?
The state grant assistance program was repealed along with the statewide evaluation program.
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Is a pump-out of my septic tank required during the evaluation?
Yes, however, a pump-out is not required if your tanks have been pumped and certified sometime in the last five years.
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Are there any exemptions from the evaluation program?
Yes. Some systems currently under an operating permit, such as aerobic treatment units are exempt. The bill also exempts those systems where a sewer exists and connection is pending. You must have arrangements in writing made for the payment of fees to assess the system or connect to the sewer. Lastly, the bill exempts homes on a lot where there is at least 1 acre per bedroom.
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Who may I call with any other questions?
You may call your local governing board, such as your county or city commission. Or you may call your county health department environmental health section. Or you may call the state Department of Health at 1-888-993-9813.
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