Register to Attend 2025 Monthly Variance Meetings

The Department of Environmental Protection 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 department is authorized to grant variances when it is satisfied that:

  • The hardship was not caused intentionally by the action of the applicant.
  • No reasonable alternative, taking into consideration factors such as cost, exists for the treatment of the sewage.
  • The discharge from the onsite sewage treatment and disposal system will not adversely affect the health of the applicant or the public, or significantly degrade the groundwater or surface waters.

Variance Process

  1. Applicants will apply for an OSTDS variance in two separate ways, depending on the county the property is in. See Apply for Variance section below for more information.
  2. The OSTDS permitting office reviews application.
  3. DEP's Onsite Sewage Program Office reviews and organizes the monthly agenda for the next OSTDS Variance Review and Advisory Committee meeting. Variance materials are publicly posted in OCULUS. See below how to search for variance-related documents. 
  4. Register to attend 2025 monthly OSTDS variance committee meetings.
  5. Variance Review and Advisory Committee meeting held. Committee recommendations provided to DEP.
  6. DEP considers committee recommendations and determines the final outcome.
  7. Final outcome posted in OCULUS and communicated to the applicant/agent and the OSTDS permitting office via email. See Finding Variance Documents in OCULUS section below how to search for variance-related documents.

Apply for Variance

DEP Designated Counties

For properties located in Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties, submit application to DEP:

  • Complete and submit online variance application with supporting documentation digitally: https://floridadep.gov/submit-ostds-variance.
  • An invoice will be sent separately to the applicant. Fee is $200 for a single family residence and $300 for a multi-family or commercial building.
  • If the variance request involves setbacks from wells or surface waters, the separation of the drainfield from the estimated wet season high water table or the authorized sewage flow of the property, DEP will post a sign on the property giving notice of the application for variance.

County Health Department Delegated Counties

For properties located in non-DEP designated counties, submit application to the county health department:

  • Complete Application for Variance from Chapter 62-6, F.A.C. (Form DEP 4057) and submit with supporting documentation and fees. Instructions for completing the application are provided in the form. Note that electronic files are preferred.
  • Your application will need to be reviewed by the county health department and the completed application received by the Onsite Sewage Program office no later than the 15th of the month in order to be placed on the agenda for the next monthly meeting of the Variance Review and Advisory Committee. If the 15th falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline for receipt will be the next regular working day. If the variance request involves setbacks from wells or surface waters, the separation of the drainfield from the estimated wet season high water table or the authorized sewage flow of the property, the county health department will post a sign on the property giving notice of the application for variance.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation for any variance application must include electronic files of the following:

  • A letter from the OSTDS permitting office indicating the reason(s) the application does not conform to current regulations.
  • OSTDS Application for Construction Permit (Form DEP 4015 Page 1).
  • A completed site plan, drawn to scale, showing pertinent features on your own and the neighboring properties. (Form DEP 4015 Page 2 or equivalent).
  • Site Evaluation and System Specifications (Form DEP 4015 Page 3).
  • Existing System and System Repair Evaluation, if applicable (Form DEP 4015 Page 4).
  • Subdivision map.
  • Complete plans and specifications for the proposed system.
  • Any other information necessary for rendering a decision or which you feel is pertinent to your case.
  • If your variance request involves setback violations, your site plan should very clearly show the exact setback dimensions that will be achieved if the variance is granted.
  • If your variance request involves the setback to a public drinking water supply well, a written opinion from the agency regulating the affected public drinking water system is needed.
  • If your variance request involves jurisdiction of sewage treatment, a letter from the agency having jurisdiction which authorizes the department to take jurisdiction of the sewage flow is needed.

Find Variance Documents in OCULUS

  • Visit OCULUS login website: https://depedms.dep.state.fl.us/Oculus/servlet/login.
  • Click on PUBLIC OCULUS LOGIN button in the center of the page.
  • On the left side of the screen, search for: Catalog = Onsite Sewage. Profile = Variance (Chapter 381)
  • Search for a variance by several criteria, including number, applicant and address. NOTE: To search for part of an address or name, select "*" on the pull-down menu to the left of the text box.

Variance Committee Meetings

Variance Committee Meeting Virtual Recordings

2025

2024

For information from previous meetings, please contact the Onsite Sewage Variance Program.

Last Modified: Friday, Apr 11, 2025 - 08:07am