House Bill 287 amends section 381.0065 of the Florida Statutes, which regulates onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. The bill changes the permitting process by allowing municipalities and political subdivisions to issue building and plumbing permits only if the owner or builder has "applied for" a construction permit from the department, replacing the previous requirement that the permit be "received." It also establishes various conditions for the issuance and renewal of permits, inspections, and transfers, while emphasizing public health and environmental safety through setback distances from potable wells and surface water bodies. The bill allows for variances in hardship cases and mandates periodic reviews by the department to ensure compliance with health standards.

Additionally, the bill streamlines the permitting process for engineer-designed systems by requiring county health departments to request additional information within five working days for incomplete applications and to issue permits or notify applicants of non-compliance within 15 working days of receiving complete applications. It allows property owners of single-family residences to maintain their own performance-based systems with proper training and certification, and mandates a biennial operating permit. Special provisions for the Florida Keys address unique environmental conditions, and the bill clarifies that permits will transfer with property titles, prohibiting new requirements that differ from those in effect at the time of the original permit. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 287 Filed: 381.0065