FL S1698

Deletes state mandate for Department of Health to administer a statewide septic system evaluation program and instead requires counties and municipalities to adopt local evaluation programs by ordinance, with counties containing first magnitude springs or Total Maximum Daily Load designations prohibited from opting out.

Permits septic system permits to transfer with property title and prevents new permit requirements from being imposed on systems already permitted, provided fundamental site conditions have not changed.

Defines "bedroom" for system capacity calculations as a room with minimum 70 square feet (site-built) or 50 square feet (manufactured home), exterior wall location, closet, and emergency escape opening; limits system modifications to cases where bedrooms are added to single-family homes.

Establishes that septic systems are not abandoned if properly functioning systems are disconnected from structures destroyed in disasters or when properties are foreclosed upon, and allows reconnection under specified conditions.

Reduces Department of Health evaluation report fees from $15-$30 range and repeals the grant program for septic system repairs previously funded through those fees.