Local Guide · Septic installation and pumping · Florida
How do you check a septic contractor in Florida?
Florida septic tank contractors are registered by the Department of Environmental Protection, and county health departments permit most systems. Here is what to know.
Florida septic tank contractors must be registered by the Department of Environmental Protection. Master septic tank contractors need experience as registered septic contractors or certified plumbing contractors. Most septic permits and inspections are handled by county health departments, with DEP handling the Panhandle counties and Marion County. DEP publishes a list of active contractors.
Who licenses septic installation and pumping providers in Florida
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Onsite Sewage Program. Florida Statutes 489.552 bars holding yourself out as a septic tank contractor or master septic tank contractor unless registered by DEP. Licensed plumbing contractors may also do work within their license. DEP's Onsite Sewage Program lists active contractors and enforcement actions.
DEP Onsite Sewage Program (active contractors) →Key facts for Florida
- Florida bars anyone from holding themselves out as a septic tank contractor unless registered by DEP.
- Florida defines a master septic tank contractor as one with at least 3 years' experience as a registered septic tank contractor or as a certified plumbing contractor doing septic work.
- Florida DEP says about 30% of Floridians use septic systems.
- Florida DEP estimates about 2.6 million septic systems operate in the state.
- Florida DEP says groundwater supplies 90% of the state's drinking water.
- Florida DEP says county health departments handle septic permitting and inspection, except the Panhandle counties and Marion County, where DEP does.
Who registers septic contractors?
DEP. Florida Statutes 489.552 requires registration, and 489.551 defines master septic tank contractors by experience. DEP's program lists active contractors and enforcement actions.
Who permits septic systems?
DEP says permitting and inspection are handled by county health departments, except in the Panhandle counties and Marion County, where DEP handles them. Contact your county health department for local questions.
How do you maintain one?
EPA recommends inspections at least every three years and pumping typically every three to five years.
How to choose a provider in Florida
- Check DEP's active contractor list.
- Confirm the permit with your county health department.
- Ask about maintenance requirements.
- Keep records.
Questions people ask
Who registers septic contractors in Florida?
The Department of Environmental Protection.
Who issues septic permits?
County health departments in most counties; DEP in the Panhandle and Marion County.
What's a master septic tank contractor?
One with at least 3 years' experience as a registered septic contractor or certified plumbing contractor doing septic work.
How many Floridians use septic?
About 30%, according to DEP.
Can a plumbing contractor do septic work?
Florida's septic registration law doesn't bar licensed plumbing contractors from work within their license.
How often should I pump?
EPA says typically every three to five years.
Sources
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
