Private Provider Inspections of OSTDS

As of July 1, 2022, owners or contractors with owner authorization have the option to hire a private provider to perform inspections of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS).

• October 2023 Legislative Report - Using Private Providers for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Inspections.
• Division of Water Resource Management Rules in Development page.

Rule Development Update

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is in the rule development process as directed by Chapter 2022-105, Laws of Florida. 

More details on this rule development are found at the Division of Water Resource Management Rules in Development page. Sign up to receive rulemaking updates on 62-6, Florida Administrative Code.

• Recording of Nov. 18, 2024, Rule Development Workshop 3.
• Presentation slides for Nov. 18, 2024, Rule Development Workshop 3.
• Agenda - Nov. 18, 2024, Rule Development Workshop 3, Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.
• Draft Rules 62-6.001, .002, .003, .024, .027 and .030, F.A.C., November 2024.
• Draft Form DEP 4015A - Private Provider Inspection Notification, November 2024.
• Draft Form DEP 4016 Part I - Construction Permit, November 2024.
• Draft Form DEP 4016 Part II - Inspection Form, November 2024.
• Draft Form DEP 4081A - Business Survey, November 2024.
• Draft Form DEP 4081 - Application for OSTDS Operating Permit, November 2024. 

Guidance

The Department is currently in rulemaking. Refer to subsection 381.0065(8), Florida Statutes (F.S.), for the statute on private provider inspectors and Chapter 62-6, F.A.C., for the current rule. Until rulemaking is complete, interim guidance is provided including a process memo with answers to some frequently asked questions, an interim authorization form (DEP4015A) and an interim inspection form (DEP4016 page 2).

• Interim Guidance for Private Provider Inspections - Memo, June 28, 2022.
• Interim Authorization Form (Draft DEP4015A) - OSTDS owners can use this form to notify the CHD that they choose to authorize certain private provider inspectors to perform inspections.
• Interim Inspection Form (DRAFT DEP4016 page 2) - Private provider inspectors can use this form to record inspection details.

Authorized Private Provider Inspectors

A private provider or an authorized representative of a private provider may perform onsite sewage treatment and disposal system inspections if they are:

• An environmental health professional certified under section 381.0101, F.S.;
• A master septic tank contractor registered under part III of Chapter 489, F.S.;
• A professional engineer licensed under Chapter 471, F.S., and have passed all parts of the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Accelerated Certification Training; or
• An employee working under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer that has passed all parts of the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Accelerated Certification Training.

Private Provider Inspector Inspection Portal

An online inspection data entry portal is now available for qualified Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System private provider inspectors. This portal is a web-based system allowing private provider inspectors to enter inspection form data, attach inspection documents and transfer this information to the Department of Health’s data system. County Health Department staff will receive a notification of a submitted inspection for a construction permit in their county. They will then review and approve or disapprove submitted information.

• Access to the portal is only available to qualified private provider inspectors.
• To request access to the portal or have questions, comments or issues with the inspection form and content, please contact: OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.
• For technical difficulties, please contact: DCEH_TechSupport@flhealth.gov.
• An online training on use of the portal was provided on May 16, 2023.

History

Private Provider Inspections legislation in Senate Bill 856 passed the Florida Legislature, was signed by Governor DeSantis on May 12, 2022 as Chapter 2022-105, Laws of Florida and is effective July 1, 2022. Amendments to the rule define authority for private provider inspectors to inspect an OSTDS when qualified as a private provider and upon written authorization by the owner of the system.

How to Get Involved

Sign up to receive rulemaking updates on 62-6, Florida Administrative Code.

Send questions and ideas to OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.