Septic Tanks and Sewage

Two sections operate within this program:  OSTDS (Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems) and Property Sale Inspections (Environmental Analysis Program).  Permitting hours are from 8:00am until 4:15pm.

OSTDS

In the OSTDS program, the Escambia County Health Department issues over 1000 septic permits every year. The governing authority for this program is Florida Administrative Code 64E-6 (594kb; pdf) and Florida Statute 386.

 Download the Septic Tank Application Package (155.8kb; pdf) here.  Please see our Fee Schedule for individual permit fees that are also included in the Septic Tank Application Package.

New Septic Systems

Inspection and permitting is required to ensure that the system is:

• Adequately sized
• Made of approved construction materials
• Installed at the proper elevation
• Installed at the proper depth and distance to the seasonal high water table, drinking water table and surface water

“If building construction has commenced, the system construction permit shall be valid for an additional 90 days beyond the eighteen month expiration date.”
--64E-6.003 Permits, (2), Florida Administrative Code

Existing Septic Systems

Inspection and permitting is required for a modification to a home or business to assure that the system is:

• Not deteriorated or obstructed
• Is functioning properly
• Has the proper setback to drinking water and irrigation wells, groundwater, surface water, foundations, additions, property lines, ditches or swales

Repairs

Inspection and permitting is required for a repair to assure that the system repair design is:

• Adequately sized
• Made of approved construction materials
• Installed at the proper elevation
• Installed at the proper depth and distance to the seasonal high water table, drinking water table and surface water

“Repair permits shall be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. However, if the system is maintained to not create a sanitary nuisance, a repair permit shall be extended for one 90 day period.” --64E-6.015 Permitting and Construction of Repairs, (5), Florida Administrative Code

Abandonments

Inspection and permitting is required for an abandonment of a septic tank to assure that:

• The tank is properly pumped out and not able to hold water
• Crushed and completely filled in and covered with suitable soil
• Does not cause a sanitary nuisance or a potential hazard

“Whenever the use of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system is discontinued following connection to a sanitary sewer, following condemnation or demolition or removal or destruction, of a building or property, or discontinuing the use of a septic tank and replacement with another septic tank, the system shall be abandoned within 90 days and any further use of the system for any purpose shall be prohibited.” --64E-6.011 Abandonment of Systems, Florida Administrative Code

If you have a complaint regarding a septic tank or sewage overflow please call us at 850-595-6700.

Property Sale Inspections

The governing authority for this program is Florida Administrative Code 64E-6 (594kb; pdf) and Florida Statute 386 regarding septic tanks and sanitary nuisances.

Property Sale Inspections are mandated by Escambia County Ordinance Chapter 98 Article III (34kb; pdf)

Download an application for inspection Property Sale Application (56kb; pdf)

This inspection program:

• Is required any time a deed is transferred on a property with a septic tank
• Services Escambia County south of “Well Line” Road and Becks Lake Road in Cantonment.
• Is designed to inform Buyer and Seller of any problems with septic system prior to the sale so that corrections can be made.
• Enforces correction of sanitary nuisances such as:
  • Sewage on the ground
  • Open Septic Tank
  • Laundry discharge (greywater)
  • Kitchen discharge
  • Improper distance to public drinking water lines
• Enforces public sewer connection when sewer line is available to property. Definition of available means:
  • Sewer line is gravity fed
  • Sewer line is within 50 feet of property line in public easement or right
    of way
  • Sewer line is available for connection per ECUA (Emerald Coast Utility
    Authority)
• Monitors water quality in local bayous, bays and beaches through research and the Healthy Beaches Program. Water Quality Research

Exemptions

There are 10 exemptions that apply to this inspection.  If your property meets one of the definitions listed in Escambia County Ordinance Chapter 98 Article III (34k;pdf) you will not be required to have the inspection. 

Timeframe

• The site will be visited on the 3rd day after the application date per Florida Law (Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, of Florida Statutes).
• Our goal is to provide the Inspection letter within 5 business days from application. However, in some instances the letter may be delayed due to violations.

Contact us with any questions, complaints or comments at 850.595.6700.

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