House Bill 589 amends section 381.0065 of the Florida Statutes to streamline the permitting process for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems for single-family residences. The bill prohibits municipalities or political subdivisions from requiring construction permits from the Department of Environmental Protection as a condition for issuing building or plumbing permits. Instead, owners or builders must provide proof of their application for the onsite sewage system when applying for these permits. The bill also clarifies that construction permits for onsite sewage systems cannot be issued in industrial-zoned areas where a sewage treatment system is available and establishes conditions for repairing existing systems, as well as requirements for annual operating permits for businesses in industrial zones.

Additionally, the bill introduces performance criteria for onsite sewage treatment systems, emphasizing effluent quality and soil treatment capabilities, and mandates that engineer-designed systems be certified by a registered professional engineer. It includes specific provisions for the Florida Keys, requiring stringent effluent quality standards and allowing alternative disposal methods under certain conditions. The bill also ensures that permits for onsite sewage systems transfer with property titles and prohibits new permit requirements at the time of property transfer that differ from those in effect when the system was originally permitted. Furthermore, it mandates local health departments to review remodeling plans within seven business days, automatically approving them if not completed in that timeframe, and protects nearshore water quality by updating wastewater management facility regulations.

Statutes affected:
H 589 Filed: 381.0065, 381.00651