FL H0589

Municipalities may not require single-family residence owners/builders to obtain a Department of Environmental Protection construction permit for onsite sewage systems before issuing building or plumbing permits; applicants need only show proof of application submission

Property owners or applicants assume all legal, financial, and safety liabilities if construction of an onsite sewage system begins before the department issues the permit

New rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection for onsite sewage system installation do not apply to permit applications submitted within 90 days after the rule's adoption (effective July 1, 2026)

Construction permits remain valid for 18 months with a possible 90-day extension; repair permits valid for 90 days; operating permits for commercial systems valid for 1 year and aerobic treatment units valid for 2 years

Setback requirements include 75 feet from private potable wells, 200 feet from public wells serving establishments with over 2,000 gallons/day flow, and 75 feet from tidally influenced surface water bodies