Onsite Sewage Program is Transferring
Since 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been responsible for implementing the Florida Statutes and regulations applicable to OSTDS. However, some county health departments, such as DOH-Polk, will continue to inspect and issue permits for septic systems until the transfer to DEP is complete.
If you have any questions, please email DEP.
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.
Online Fee Payments
Environmental Public Health fees can be paid in-person, by mail, or online.
OSTDS 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 in Polk County.
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 Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) 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 and 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 DOH-Polk’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 Bartow Environmental Public Health Office
All septic permit applications can be emailed to Polk.SepticTanks@FLHealth.gov.
For information about inspections, call 863-519-8330.
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 implementing this new law.