Septic Tanks- Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal Systems

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), commonly referred to as septic systems, are a safe and effective means of wastewater disposal for 30% of Florida’s population.

The OSTDS program ensures that the OSTDS is properly designed, constructed, and maintained through permitting and inspection and contributes to safe ground water, which provides 90% of Florida’s drinking water. 

• Governing Authority and Forms

Bill Pay 

Environmental Health bills and fees can be paid in-person, by mail, or through our online bill pay site.

Location and Contact Information 

Private Provider Inspections 

Starting July 1, 2022, owners or contractors with owner authorization, have the option to hire a private provider to perform inspections of OSTDS.

DEP has begun implementation of this new law. Visit private provider inspections of OSTDS for more information.

OSTDS Operating Permits 

Only apply to counties that use operating permits.

Operating permits are required for aerobic treatment units (ATU), performance based treatments systems (PBTS), commercial septic systems, and industrial or manufacturing zoned (or equivalent) septic systems.

What Services Are Available?

In order to maintain a healthy environment, onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (septic systems) must be properly installed, monitored, and maintained.

The Polk County Health Department inspects, evaluates, and permits the installation of all new and repaired septic systems in the county. These services are important to the public’s health to ensure germs that cause disease stay out of our drinking water.

Only Registered Septic Tank Contractors or Licensed Plumbers are permitted to work on Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal Systems (OSTDS).

Permits must be obtained from the health department to install or make repairs to these systems. A homeowner may make repairs only on his personally occupied residence.

The Polk County Health Department’s Onsite Sewage Program works to ensure the health of residents by monitoring septic tanks which can be an environmental source of disease.

Septic tank permits can be obtained at the following locations:

For additional information on onsite sewage treatment system permits, statutes, rules, and forms visit Onsite Sewage Program | Florida Department of Environmental Protection (link opens in new window). 

For information about inspections, call (863) 519-8330.

Report Unlawful Septic Tank Contracting Complaints