Program Update - Phase I Transition

Transition Progress Report: January to May 2025

On January 2, 2025, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began issuing permits for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) in 16 counties in Northwest Florida (Escambia to Jefferson counties), a major step in the transition of this program to DEP.

DEP is committed to implementing a cost-effective and modernized permitting process for OSTDS in Florida.  This move is part of Florida’s broader strategy as directed under the Clean Waterways Act of 2020 to align water quality management programs under one agency and strengthen the link between land use, wastewater treatment, and watershed protection. As DEP continues during the first six months of Phase I implementation, we are proud to share our progress and the program’s performance to date.

January to May  2025 Performance 

The OSTDS transition began with 16 counties in Northwest Florida. Field staff and DEP leadership have worked quickly to build capacity and deliver timely service to Floridians who rely upon onsite septic systems. Here are the numbers:

This month-over-month growth demonstrates both rising demand and DEP’s ability to meet it. Average permitting times have improved as staff gain experience and as the team includes more Certified Environmental Health Professionals (CEHPs).
•    Permitting volumes are increasing month over month
•    Permitting efficiency gains as staff become more familiar with DEP processes
•    Most permits are issued well within the required timeframes, with many same-day turnarounds for applications that are complete at the time of submittal

Building a Modernized Permitting Process

A key milestone in the transition of the Onsite Sewage Program (OSP) to DEP has been the shift from a legacy, paper-based system to a fully digital permitting platform. From the outset, DEP prioritized modernization to ensure consistency, accountability, and efficiency statewide.

DEP launched a centralized online permitting system, built on secure, modern tools that allow applicants, permittees, and program staff to manage applications, submit documents, and track inspections entirely online.

Benefits of the Digital System

For Applicants / Permittees:
•    24/7 Access: OSTDS practitioners are able to submit applications, upload documents, and check permit status at any time
•    Faster Turnaround: Automation and smart forms reduce the need for back-and-forth communications and delays in permit issuance
•    Streamlined Communications: Notifications and status updates are delivered in real time via electronic mail

For the Program:
•    Improved Oversight: Centralized data management allows for real-time reporting and performance tracking
•    Scalability: The system can respond timely to increased demand without adding administrative overhead
•    Flexibility: Forms, workflows, and business rules can be updated easily as the program evolves

For Florida’s Taxpayers:
•    Cost Efficiency: Reduced paper, postage, storage, and administrative burden
•    Higher Productivity: Staff can process more applications per day
•    Transparency & Accountability: Digital records provide an auditable trail of every permit and inspection

This modernization is more than a technological upgrade, it is an investment in the efficient delivery of an essential public service. DEP is building a permitting system that is more efficient and easier to use.

Building Expertise and Capacity

Qualified staff are central to program success. At the beginning of January, only 7 of 20 field staff had CEHP credentials, and 3 of these were managers. By the end of April, 12 field staff now hold CEHP credentials, and 1     more is in the final stage of their certification process. 

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of 2025, DEP is focused on:
•    Finalizing CEHP certifications and continue building staff expertise
•    Refining processes to expedite permit reviews and decisions
•    Expanding training for staff and OSTDS stakeholders
•    Refining state rules governing OSTDS to improve efficiency and add clarity

We are proud of our team and what it has accomplished over just five months. The Onsite Sewage Program is not merely operational, it is accelerating.  In July, DEP expects to expand its OSTDS permitting and compliance assistance services into Marion County which has annual permit application and inspection demands that rival the current 16 counties that are currently being implemented by DEP in Phase I of the OSTDS transition.  DEP plans to continue implementing OSTDS permitting and inspection activities in those Phase I counties where funds have been appropriated.  We will continue to coordinate with the Florida Department of Health to ensure that OSTDS permitting and inspections activities are being timely and effectively implemented in the rest of Florida’s counties in conjunction with the ongoing Phase I implementation.

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