The bill amends section 381.0065 of the Florida Statutes to establish that construction permits for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems for single-family dwellings are valid indefinitely, except for work conducted seaward of the coastal construction control line. This change removes the previous 18-month validity period, which could be extended by an additional 90 days. Furthermore, the bill prohibits municipalities or political subdivisions from requiring applicants for building permits for single-family homes to first obtain a construction permit for an onsite sewage treatment system from the department, thereby streamlining the permitting process and reducing regulatory burdens on homeowners.

In addition to these changes, the bill introduces new regulations for engineer-designed onsite sewage treatment systems, focusing on performance criteria to protect public health and the environment. It mandates that these systems be designed to prevent negative impacts on groundwater and surface water, with specific effluent quality and maintenance standards. Designs must be certified by a registered professional engineer and submitted for review to the county health department, which has a defined timeline for processing applications. The bill also includes provisions tailored to the Florida Keys, establishing stricter treatment standards and allowing for flexibility in compliance with existing regulations. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the management and regulation of onsite sewage systems while ensuring environmental protection and public health, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1120 Filed: 381.0065