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.

The amended OSTDS Rule (62-6, Florida Administrative Code) becomes effective July 9, 2025. This revision includes amendments relating to the Private Provider Inspectors (PPI) and forms used.  The amended rule and forms are available at Onsite Sewage Forms and Publications | Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the rule text can be found on the 62-6 Chapter page. Please see the FAQ document for answers to questions we have recently received.

Some highlighted amendments:

• Requires PPI authorization (DEP 4015A) to be submitted to the Department PRIOR to the first inspection.
• Requires PPI inspection results to be submitted within 7 calendar days.
• Requires PPI inspection results to be entered into the PPI portal appropriate to the county, either DEP or DOH.
• Requires photographs of the system being inspected.
• Inspection review fee ($35) for each inspection report resulting in construction approval.
• Clarifies that master septic tank contractors may not do construction inspections on their own repair. This follows the statute’s conflict of interest requirements.
• Department establishes a registry for private provider inspectors. Private provider inspectors must reegister with the Department through the Private Inspector Portal.

Authorized Private Provider Inspectors

Listing of currently registered 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 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.

Using the portal is the fastest way for private provider inspectors to get their records reviewed.

• For private inspections in counties DOH administers, PPIs will continue to use the (DOH) Private Inspector Portal.
• For private inspections in counties DEP administers, PPIs will utilize a (DEP) Private Inspector Portal.  that can be accessed at:
• Please see the Frequently Asked Questions to determine if your county is administered by DEP or DOH.
• To request access to the portal – available only to qualified inspectors – or if you have questions, comments or issues with the inspection form and content, please contact: OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.
• For technical difficulties, please contact: OSP-Help@FloridaDEP.gov or DCEH_TechSupport@FLHealth.gov.

Prior Guidance (Prior to Rule becoming Effective)

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. Interim guidance is provided including a process memo with answers to some frequently asked questions.

Interim Guidance for Private Provider Inspections- Memo, June 28, 2022.

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.