As of 1/11/2011, SB 550 will require that all septic tank owners in Florida have their tanks pumped and inspected every five years. The inspection requirement will be phased in over the following 5 years.
The Florida Department of Health is drafting rules to enforce compliance. This must be done whether the tanks have shown any problems or not. Inspection and pumping will probably cost in the neighborhood of $400 to $500. This rule will cost the state's 2,600,000 septic-using homeowners a grand total of approximately $1.3 billion dollars every 5 years for inspections alone.
If your tank fails the state inspection, it must be repaired or replaced and brought up to the new inspection standards. To completely replace some drain fields, the cost will be in the range of $3,000-9,000 or more, plus the inspection fees.
If you fail to have your tank inspected, the fine is $500 per day plus you may also be charged with a misdemeanor. If your septic does not pass and you can't afford to repair it, and cannot qualify for a grant, you may not be allowed to live in your house. The law provides for termination of electric service for those owners who have a non-compliant, non-government certified septic system.
At this time, some state legislators have made statements that they'd like to see this law repealed.
Replies
45
AdminAuthor
Residents want septic tank law flushed (DOCUMENT) | want, law, residents - News - Northwest Florida Daily News
More than 250 people had nothing good to say Thursday about a new law that will require septic tank owners to pay for mandatory inspections every five years.
No one at the workshop at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center appeared to support the new regulation. Many visitors held signs that included ?Repeal the septic tank law? and ?SB 550 stinks ? repeal it?
Officials with the Walton County Health Department and the state Department of Environmental Protection explained the law that will take effect in January.
Several people said it isn?t needed.
?I take care of my septic tank,? said Walton County Commissioner Sara Comander, who added that she was speaking as a resident. ?I make sure my roof is not leaky, my steps are not squeaky and that my septic tank is in good shape.?
Beach Fanatic
This is a horrible law. What is even more horrible is that a bunch of RINOS are responsible for this. I bet they did not even read it before they voted for it. It seems that politicians are the same whther they are R or D, or located in Washington, Tallahassee or DeFuniak Springs and Shalimar.
Beach Fanatic
At the same time, many of us support the need to protect SoWal's dune lakes from septic tank seepage. Is there an existing avenue for doing this? Not saying that would call for this law's full scope, but the citizens/county/state should have some means to keep our lakes good.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Looks like a great time to open a septic tank maintenance company! 😉
Bottom line is too many people failed to take care of their s**t, so now the government is going to make sure they do.
Bottom line is too many people failed to take care of their s**t, so now the government is going to make sure they do.
Beach Fanatic
Another government take over......
No one should be able trespass your property without a warrant.
No one should be able trespass your property without a warrant.
Edited
AdminAuthor
At the same time, many of us support the need to protect SoWal's dune lakes from septic tank seepage. Is there an existing avenue for doing this? Not saying that would call for this law's full scope, but the citizens/county/state should have some means to keep our lakes good.
Not many people know we also have septic tanks and drain fields right on the beach in some places. It seems owners are not willing to take on the expense of connecting to sewer, even when offered a break on the price. It looks like it would need to be forced on them and/or paid for by taxpayers - both are problematic.
Then again, so are lawsuits for septic-related illness.
I wonder if someone published a map of septic tank locations in SoWal if that might have an effect on rentals of certain properties and neighborhoods?
Beach Fanatic
Not many people know we also have septic tanks and drain fields right on the beach in some places. It seems owners are not willing to take on the expense of connecting to sewer, even when offered a break on the price. It looks like it would need to be forced on them and/or paid for by taxpayers - both are problematic.
Then again, so are lawsuits for septic-related illness.
I wonder if someone published a map of septic tank locations in SoWal if that might have an effect on rentals of certain properties and neighborhoods?
I believe if your home is within x miles from the beach you should be REQUIRED to hook up to sewer. I know Gulf Trace has had numerous problems with septic and that is just too close to the Gulf and lakes.
Beach Fanatic
Whew. At first glance, I thought this thread was started as a response to the general tone of the political forum on Sowal.
AdminAuthor
I believe if your home is within x miles from the beach you should be REQUIRED to hook up to sewer. I know Gulf Trace has had numerous problems with septic and that is just too close to the Gulf and lakes.
One of the few things I wish our government to do is look out for public health and safety. The only way some folks are going to get off septic is by force - meaning a state or federal agency who is not dependent on local votes.
Gulf Trace is not the only place with septic tanks on the beach but it is the worst I know of.
Little Redfish Lake polluted by septic tanks and drain fields on the beach in Gulf Trace:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 08/03/05
How Little Redfish Lake is supposed to look:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 02/18/07
Beach Fanatic
One of the few things I wish our government to do is look out for public health and safety. The only way some folks are going to get off septic is by force - meaning a state or federal agency who is not dependent on local votes.
Gulf Trace is not the only place with septic tanks on the beach but it is the worst I know of.
Little Redfish Lake polluted by septic tanks and drain fields on the beach in Gulf Trace:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 08/03/05
How Little Redfish Lake is supposed to look:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 02/18/07
I want off septic, what is my other choice?
Beach Fanatic
Not many people know we also have septic tanks and drain fields right on the beach in some places. It seems owners are not willing to take on the expense of connecting to sewer, even when offered a break on the price. It looks like it would need to be forced on them and/or paid for by taxpayers - both are problematic.
Then again, so are lawsuits for septic-related illness.
I wonder if someone published a map of septic tank locations in SoWal if that might have an effect on rentals of certain properties and neighborhoods?
After Hurricane Opal there were a bunch of them, I would have figured that had changed by now.
Beach Fanatic
One of the few things I wish our government to do is look out for public health and safety. The only way some folks are going to get off septic is by force - meaning a state or federal agency who is not dependent on local votes.
Gulf Trace is not the only place with septic tanks on the beach but it is the worst I know of.
Little Redfish Lake polluted by septic tanks and drain fields on the beach in Gulf Trace:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 08/03/05
How Little Redfish Lake is supposed to look:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 02/18/07
These are local problems that should properly be solved via zoning or a local ordinance. If sewer is available then existing property owners should be afforded a free hookup or pay a fee each year for their septic system equal to the average sewage bill. Just one suggested fix off the top of my head. What is not needed or proper is a statewide one fix cures all approach that will hurt many lower income individuals who have never heard of Redfish lake or Gulf Trace.
AdminAuthor
These are local problems that should properly be solved via zoning or a local ordinance. If sewer is available then existing property owners should be afforded a free hookup or pay a fee each year for their septic system equal to the average sewage bill. Just one suggested fix off the top of my head. What is not needed or proper is a statewide one fix cures all approach that will hurt many lower income individuals who have never heard of Redfish lake or Gulf Trace.
Agree - unless part of fees and fines actually went toward getting people off septic where needed. Still sounds like unneeded regulation. I know of one old guy on a tank that is a problem but no one wants to report him because he can't afford to fix it. Seems like it would be a good use of tax dollars.
Skunky
Courtesy of a creative SOWALer:clap:
Beach Lover
I really hope this law is repealled. I have an above-ground septic tank, which I hate; but, I do not have sewage available in my area of Portland. I understand the reason for this law because I have neighbors who have been here forever and their sewage goes directly into Alaqua Bay, which I hate. My system is just over 9 years old and works properly. Each system should be evaluated on it's own merit and NOT at the expense of the homeowner. AND if septic companies are going to do the inspections, this seems to be a conflict of interest, IMHO.
Beach Fanatic
Its interesting that these regs and laws have always got to be done in absolutes.
Why not focus septic inspections and remediation in areas where faulty septic performance has the most impact. Someone sitting on 400 acres in the country outside of Alachua with a poorly performing tank worries me a lot less than someone near a coastal lake or water source.
An approach like this would allow the State/County/City to help homeowners who can't manage the repairs.
I had septic tanks at my 2 previous homes and I much preferred using some RidX and having it pumped and back washed every 5-7 years to paying a monthly sewage fee (as I do now.)
Why not focus septic inspections and remediation in areas where faulty septic performance has the most impact. Someone sitting on 400 acres in the country outside of Alachua with a poorly performing tank worries me a lot less than someone near a coastal lake or water source.
An approach like this would allow the State/County/City to help homeowners who can't manage the repairs.
I had septic tanks at my 2 previous homes and I much preferred using some RidX and having it pumped and back washed every 5-7 years to paying a monthly sewage fee (as I do now.)
beats on hood
We had an underground septic tank in an upscale neighborhood within the city limits of Spartanburg, SC. We couldn't do laundry on rainy days because it would back up. What a PITA!
SoWal Insider
When we moved onto our lot, there was an existing septic and well on the property. We looked into connecting to the county water and sewage and we just didn't have the money to do that. So my husband got the sewer done and inspected and we've never had any problems with it. That was 2004. We don't live near any coastal dune lakes, but i do understand the concern in those areas. I feel like every 5 years is a bit much, especially if it passes inspection the first time. I also see a conflict having sewage companies do the inspections. That's the fox guarding the hen house. Not a good idea IMO.
Skunky
Umm, if the sewer companies don't do the inspection, who should? Could the people who tout personal responsibility please explain why it is OK to let your leaky system spread filth into the communities? If you want to enjoy indoor plumbing, it may cost you some money. Otherwise, seal you tank and go take care of your business at the library. Seriously.
SoWal Insider
I could be wrong, but i thought the dept. of health did the inspection. I can't remember now. Haven't heard anyone that thinks it's okay to let leaky sewage go unchecked. :roll:
Skunky
I could be wrong, but i thought the dept. of health did the inspection. I can't remember now. Haven't heard anyone that thinks it's okay to let leaky sewage go unchecked. :roll:
The passive aggression of people making excuses as to why they can't keep a functional septic tank sounds like an endorsement to me. What expertise does the Dept. of Health have in plumbing? I suspect they can spot a dysfunctional tank from the surface, and then they would have to get a sewer company involved. Why involve a middleman? That is a waste of tax dollars.
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
When I moved into my house here in Morgan County, AL the septic tank at my house was inspected my the home inspector and according to him everything was fine. After I had lived in my house for about 3 years, I get a warning from the Health Department that my field lines were leaching sewage into the street. The Health Department warned me that if we did not fix it, we would be fined. So, we got someone to fix our field lines for us. The health department inspector came back out and told us that it wasn't good enough. He said we did not have enough field lines. Sooooooo, after 8 dump trucks worth of dirt, and $5,000 later the inspector finally said we were good to go!
So, I said all that to say this. The health department does indeed inspect septics here in good ol' bammer. :wave:
So, I said all that to say this. The health department does indeed inspect septics here in good ol' bammer. :wave:
Beach Fanatic
This house is the first I've lived in with a septic tank. We've been here since late 2003. This summer, for the first time, we had a septic tank service come out and pump ours. $250.
The technician said it was time, the tank was full. I'm no expert, haven't read up on septic tanks, but based on this single experience, it seems like 5 years wouldn't be too often.
The technician said it was time, the tank was full. I'm no expert, haven't read up on septic tanks, but based on this single experience, it seems like 5 years wouldn't be too often.
SoWal Insider
passive aggression? Seriously?
municipal sewage is not an option for everyone on the planet. :lol:
municipal sewage is not an option for everyone on the planet. :lol:
Beach Lover
The passive aggression of people making excuses as to why they can't keep a functional septic tank sounds like an endorsement to me. What expertise does the Dept. of Health have in plumbing? I suspect they can spot a dysfunctional tank from the surface, and then they would have to get a sewer company involved. Why involve a middleman? That is a waste of tax dollars.
Not much expertise needed. All it takes is a nose in good working order, and a pair of old boots for walking around the drain field looking for "foot puddles." I can tell you right now that in our neighborhood we have a home with a "problem" septic tank that puts off some very ripe fumes after heavy rains.
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.