At a glance
| Who regulates | Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Onsite Sewage program |
|---|---|
| Inspection when a home is sold | No statewide requirement found. We found no statewide requirement to inspect a septic system when a home is sold in Florida. Check with your county and ask for an inspection as a buyer. |
Septic tank size in Florida
Rule 62-6.008 estimates sewage flow from bedrooms and building area: 1 bedroom up to 750 sq ft, 2 bedrooms 751–1,200 sq ft, 3 bedrooms 1,201–2,250 sq ft, 4 bedrooms 2,251–3,300 sq ft, with more flow for each extra bedroom or 750 sq ft. Where bedrooms and area don't match, the larger flow applies. Tank size then follows from that flow. Where separate graywater and blackwater systems are used, a blackwater tank can't be smaller than 900 gallons.
Compare with other states on our tank size calculator.
Who does what
- DEP sets the rules and has run the program since July 1, 2021 (Clean Waterways Act of 2020).
- County health department environmental health offices continue permitting and inspection in most counties.
- DEP handles permitting directly in the Panhandle counties and Marion County.
Why Florida is strict
- Groundwater supplies about 90% of Florida's drinking water, according to DEP.
Costs
We don't yet have checked Florida-specific prices. National figures: pumping averages about $420–$430 (pumping cost), inspections about $550 on average (inspection cost), and a conventional system $3,000–$8,500 installed (installation cost).
Rules change, and counties and towns can be stricter than the state. Confirm with the agency above before you buy, sell or build.