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.
The Onsite Sewage Program has moved to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Environmental Public Health
Sarasota EPH Office- DOHSarasotaEH@FLHealth.gov
- 941-861-6133
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Fax
941-526-1535 -
Sarasota Office Location
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34240
Map- 941-861-3310
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Fax
941-526-1536 -
Venice Office Location
4000 Tamiami Trail S.
Room 121
Venice, FL 34293
View Sarasota County Septic System Permits and Records Online!
Septic system permitting documents and records from 1972 to present have been digitized and are available for public access. You can search for septic information online, or call 941-861-6133 for more information.
New/Existing Septic System Construction and Modification
All new septic system construction permits and existing septic system modification permits in Sarasota County must be designed by a professional engineer, per Sarasota County Code of Ordinances. The following forms are required:
- DEP 4015 Application for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Construction Permit, Pages 1-4
- DEP 4015, Page 1 of 4 - Application for Construction Permit
- DEP 4015, Page 2 of 4 - Site Plan (DEP 4015, Page 2, is not required if a site plan is drawn according to specifications in 62-6, Florida Administrative Code, and Sarasota County Code of Ordinances Chapter 54 Article VIII)
- DEP 4015, Page 3 of 4 - Site Evaluation and System Specifications
- DEP 4015, Page 4 of 4 - Existing System and System Repair Evaluation (DEP 4015, Page 4 is not required for new construction installation permits.)
- DH 4016 - Construction Permit
- OSTDS Site Information Documentation Form
Septic System Repair
Any property owner or resident who has a septic system that fails to function in a safe or sanitary manner will obtain directly, or through an agent, a permit to repair the septic system prior to initiating any repair actions. Septic system repair permits require the following forms to be completed:
- DEP 4015 Application for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Construction Permit, Pages 1-4
- DEP 4015, Page 1 of 4 - Application
- DEP 4015, Page 2 of 4 - Site Plan
- DEP 4015, Page 3 of 4 - Site Evaluation and System Specifications
- DEP 4015, Page 4 of 4 - Existing System and System Repair Evaluation
- DH 4016 - Construction Permit (required if engineer designed)
- OSTDS Site Information Documentation Form
- OSTDS Repair Elevation Sheet
Septic System Tank Abandonment
Septic tank abandonment permits require the following forms to be completed:
- DEP 4015 Application for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Construction Permit, Pages 1-4
- DEP 4015, Page 1 of 4 - Application
- DEP 4015, Page 2 of 4 - Site Plan
- DH 4016 - Construction Permit
Installation
Only registered septic tank contractors and state-licensed plumbers are permitted to work on septic systems in Florida. A property owner may work on their personally occupied residence only after the septic permit has been issued.
Situations pertaining to a change or failure of an additional septic system component will require the septic permit to be amended or revoked by the department.
Septic tank contractors and licensed plumbers can pay OSTDS-Construction fees online.
Operating Regulations
Operating Permits are required for aerobic treatment units (ATUs), performance-based treatment systems (PBTSs), and industrial/manufacturing zoned, or equivalent septic systems in commercial zones. The owner must maintain a current operating permit with the Florida Department of Health for the lifetime of the system.
- The operating permit must be renewed with the department every two years.
- Along with the permit, the owner of an ATU or PBTS must maintain a valid maintenance contract with an approved maintenance entity for the lifetime of the system. The maintenance entity is required to inspect and service the system at least two times per year.
- All maintenance inspections must be submitted to the department for record keeping. The department will review the permit and maintenance records and conduct an on site inspection of the system each year.
You can renew your operating permit online.
Reporting Septic System Failures
The Florida Department of Health's Environmental Public Health Office investigates complaints regarding sanitary nuisances, as defined in Chapter 386, F.S.
When a septic system is in failure and a sanitary nuisance is found to exist a notice to abate is issued to the property owner. The notice gives a reasonable amount time for the septic system correction. If a correction is not completed within the time frame, then legal action will be taken.
If you have a concern about a possible septic system in failure,
please call our office at 941-861-6613
Forms
Forms, instructions, and program updates may be found at:
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