House Bill 287 amends section 381.0065 of the Florida Statutes, which regulates onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. The bill modifies the conditions under which municipalities and political subdivisions can issue building and plumbing permits for these systems by changing the requirement for obtaining a construction permit from "received" to "applied for." This means that builders or owners must apply for a construction permit before a building or plumbing permit can be issued. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a building or structure cannot be occupied until the final installation of the sewage system is approved by the department. It also outlines various conditions for the installation and operation of these systems, including permit validity periods, inspection requirements, and the ability to transfer permits under certain conditions.

Furthermore, the bill aims to streamline the permitting process by establishing specific timelines for county health departments to respond to permit applications. It mandates that health departments request additional information within five working days of receiving an incomplete application and issue a permit or refer the application for further review within 15 working days of receiving a complete application. The bill allows property owners of single-family residences to maintain their own performance-based systems with proper training and requires them to obtain a biennial operating permit. It also introduces provisions for maintenance agreements and inspections, particularly in sensitive areas like the Florida Keys, while ensuring that existing permits transfer with property titles and prohibiting new permit requirements during property transfers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 287 Filed: 381.0065