The Onsite Sewage Program has an ongoing onsite sewage research program with a goal of providing reliable, cost-effective systems that most effectively protect public health and the environment. State dollars in the research fund are often used as leverage to obtain outside grants. In addition, the Legislature has provided funding for special projects, such as the Nitrogen Reduction Strategies Study.
Before registering for the accelerated OSTDS courses, you must submit your certification application to the State Health Office (see forms below).
The application process for Environmental Health Certification is managed by the Florida Department of Health's Facilities Program.
Examination Requirements for the ACT
To help fulfill the credentialing and continuing education training needs of onsite wastewater contractors and county health department field staff, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection staff provide and support training at various locations across the state.
In Florida, who is allowed to do work on a septic system?
Is experience under a licensed plumber equivalent to that obtained under a registered septic tank contractor?
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead contact these offices by phone or in writing.
Please contact the local county health department so they can assist you further with the complaint. To locate contact information for all local county health departments, please visit: https://www.floridahealth.gov/all-county-locations.html.
The department is authorized to grant variances in hardship cases which may be less restrictive than the provisions specified section 381.0065, Florida Statutes, and those portions of Chapter 62-6, Florida Administrative Code, that implement section 381.0065, F.S.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) reviews biological additives, chemical additives, and the composition of materials used in Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS or septic systems) in Florida.
An alternative repair method is a way to repair a failing system without drainfield addition or replacement. In addition, at the applicant's request, the department has allowed some alternative repair methods to be included in new and modification construction permits. This page refers to the standards for these methods and provides a list of alternative repair methods to which the department has issued a letter of non-objection.
Construction and Repairs Forms | Sanitary Nuisance | Innovative Systems Forms | Operating and Service Permit Forms | Contractor Registration and Education Forms
Unless otherwise noted, all of the following documents are in Portable Document Format (pdf) and are less than 2 mb in size. All documents open in a new window.
Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email?
Sign UpThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.
Learn More