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OSTDS – Septic Tanks

Florida Department of Health in Nassau County Environmental Health

Effective July 1, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for implementing the Florida Statutes and regulations applicable to OSTDS. Under Florida's Clean Waterways Act of 2020, the county health department offices will continue to do the permitting and inspection for septic tanks. Please continue to work with them for all of your permitting-related needs. If you have questions, contact OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), commonly referred to as septic systems, are a safe and effective means of wastewater disposal for 30% of Florida’s population.

The OSTDS program ensures that the OSTDS is properly designed, constructed, and maintained through permitting and inspection and contributes to safe ground water, which provides 90% of Florida’s drinking water. 

Bill Pay 

Environmental Health bills and fees can be paid in-person, by mail, or through our online bill pay site.

Location and Contact Information 

Find local contact information at the following FDOH-location-finder

Private Provider Inspections 

Starting July 1, 2022, owners or contractors with owner authorization, have the option to hire a private provider to perform inspections of OSTDS.

DEP has begun implementation of this new law. Visit private provider inspections of OSTDS for more information.

OSTDS Operating Permits 

Only apply to counties that use operating permits.

Operating permits are required for aerobic treatment units (ATU), performance based treatments systems (PBTS), commercial septic systems, and industrial or manufacturing zoned (or equivalent) septic systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the reason for an inspection of the septic tank system for a new business?

When starting a new business, if you plan to use an existing shop, you need to have the septic tank system approved by the Florida Department of Health in Nassau County. According to Florida Statute 381.0065, all businesses using a septic system for sewage disposal must obtain approval from the local health department whenever there is a change in business ownership, type, or tenancy. This is because septic systems are sized based on the type of business, and changes can increase sewage flow or alter sewage characteristics, potentially leading to system failure and costly repairs.

Who is responsible for submitting the application?

The application can be submitted and paid for by either the owner or the tenant.

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2. Why is approval of the existing septic tank system required before adding a room to my home?

If you're planning to add a room to your home, you must have an inspection of the existing septic system to ensure it is large enough to handle the additional space. This requirement applies regardless of whether the new room will be air-conditioned. Only garages, carports, exterior storage sheds, and open or screened patios or decks are excluded. The enclosed habitable area of your home is considered when determining the required septic system size.

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3. Who determines if I need a mound septic system?

Chapter 64E-6 of the Florida Administrative Code requires a 24-inch separation between the wet season water table and the bottom of the drainfield. The water table is assessed through soil color and texture, USDA soil surveys, and local vegetation. If a mound is necessary to maintain this separation, it must be stabilized with additional soil cover and graded slopes.

Different water table separation requirements apply for repairing or replacing septic systems, depending on the original system's permit date.

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4. What do I need to do to fix my drainfield?

If your septic drainfield needs repair or replacement, you must first apply for a septic system repair permit.

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