The Biomedical Waste Inspection Program is designed to protect the public from the risks associated with potentially infectious biomedical waste. This is conducted by regulating the generation, transport, storage and treatment of biomedical waste through processes other than incineration.  The Department of Environmental Protection has primary responsibility for biomedical waste incineration and final disposal. 

The governing authority for this program is Florida Statute 381.0098 and Florida Administrative Code 64E-16 (79kb; pdf)

The facilities below are inspected in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

• Body Piercing Salons
• Dental Clinics
• Electrolysis Clinics
• Funeral Homes
• Hospitals
• Laboratories
• Medical Clinics
• Nursing Homes
• Storage and Treatment Facilities
• Tattoo Salons (no tattoo procedure inspections)
• Transporters of Biomedical Waste
• Veterinarian Clinics

Annual Inspections:

Other types of Permit Application:

Biomedical Waste Transporter Application (18.6kb; pdf)
Biomedical Waste Storage Application (18.8kb; pdf)

Facilities that produce less than 25 pounds in each 30 day period (and can document this for a minimum of one year) can apply for an exemption from permitting and fee requirements. Biomedical Waste Permit Application (20.7kb; pdf)

 The Inspection process entails (but is not limited to the):

• Handling of Waste
• Labeling of Waste
• Location of Waste
• Storage of Waste
• Transport of Waste
• Manifests and Records

A Biomedical Waste Generator Permit is issued after: 

1. Permit Application Biomedical Waste Permit Application (20.7kb; pdf) through our department
2. Payment of fee (see fee schedule)
3. Successful completion of the “Opening” Health Inspection and subsequent inspections. 
4. Proof of “required training” through the Department of Health.  All persons employed who handle Biomedical Waste are required to have initial and refresher training through the Department of Health (please contact us at 850-595-6700 for current trainings)

Learn about how to properly dispose of home-generated biomedical waste:

Home Sharps Disposal Guidelines

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