FL S1738

Requires owners of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to have systems inspected at least once every 5 years, effective July 1, 2013, with a phased county-by-county implementation over 10 years prioritizing springshed protection areas.

Authorizes the Department of Health to establish an inspection program with rules covering inspection standards, a 5-year inspection cycle schedule, pump-out requirements, and enforcement procedures for non-compliance.

Establishes a grant program effective July 1, 2013 to assist owners with family income at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level in repairing failing systems serving single-family residences.

Increases fees for onsite sewage system permits and inspections by $5, with 25 percent of inspection report filing fees ($75-$150) dedicated to the grant program; adds $50 fees to septic tank contractor registrations and renewals for grant funding.

Requires inspections and pump-outs to be performed by registered septic tank or master septic tank contractors, with department providing minimum 60 days' notice before inspection deadlines and clarifying that inspections assess operational condition rather than code compliance.