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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems

Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County

Effective July 1, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for implementing 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, please contact OSTDS_Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, 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 systems are properly designed, constructed, and maintained through permitting and inspection and contributes to safe groundwater, which provides 90% of Florida’s drinking water. 

Governing Authority Information

DEP Application for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems

DOH-DeSoto Forms 

Along with the completed DEP 4015 application, the subsequent forms must also be submitted to the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County for all new and repair applications:

Bill Pay 

Environmental health bills and fees can be paid in person or by mail at the address below or you can visit our bill pay site at MyFloridaEHPermit.com.

Location and Contact Information 

Find local contact information at the following DOH-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.