In Florida, 31% of the population is served by estimated 2.3 million onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS). These systems discharge over 426 million gallons of treated effluent per day into the subsurface soil environment. The Department of Health, Bureau of Onsite Sewage Programs and the Lee County Environmental Health section of the Health Department through 381.0065, Florida Statutes (FS) and Chapter 64E-6, Florida Administrative Code, regulates the construction and use of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal (septic) systems in Lee County.

See our online information brochure “Septic Tank Systems.”  En Español

Buying a home with a septic system? Read our Homebuyer's Guide

It's Important to have your tank pumped every 3-5 years! view our public service announcements here

Information on septic tank installations (opens up a video)

 Please select an area below for more information:

• How to apply for a new OSTDS (septic) permit

• How to apply for a permit to repair your system

• Permit denied? You may apply for a request for a variance

• Connected to sewer? Application for system Abandonment.

• Construction Trailer? Apply for a Holding Tank Permit.

• Excavation Inspection?

• Procedure to request a system construction inspection

• Buying a home on a septic system? more information

• List of Licensed Septic Tank Installers by county

• DEP has developed a Dredge and Fill Pamphlet to assist applicants seeking a permit for dredge and fill for onsite systems in jurisdictional areas.

• The Bureau in Tallahassee licenses septic tank contractors and provides a hands-on training center to provide basic and continuing education courses to department staff and licensed contractors.

• Looking for other forms? Get them from the State DOH site here:                                                 

• Forms and Memos - Bureau of Onsite Sewage Programs

• Check The Status Of Your Septic System Permit Online

• Access our scanned data:

  • Septic permits given final approval for the years 2005-2008

Courtesy of: National Environmental Services Center (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 

Links to OSTDS Information:

• State of Florida

Bureau of Onsite Sewage Programs

The bureau develops statewide rules and provides training and standardization for County Health Department employees responsible for permitting the installation and repair of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) within the state.

• EPA 

  United States Environmental Protection Agency

  This site offers valuable information and resources to manage onsite wastewater systems in a manner that is protective of public health and the environment and allows communities to grow and prosper.

  • Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems

• NOWRA

  The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

  The largest organization within the U.S. dedicated solely to educating and representing members within the onsite and decentralized industry.

• Pipeline Newsletter

  The National Small Flows Clearinghouse

  Popular with small community officials, citizens, maintenance and inspection personnel, and community educators, each quarterly issue of Pipeline focuses on a single wastewater topic and presents it in an easy-to-read format.

• NESC

  National Environmental Services Center

  They have an extensive holding of free and low-cost educational publications, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, guidebooks, posters, DVDs and other similar materials. Browse our many drinking water, wastewater, and training products.

• CDC

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Health Services Program

  Onsite Wastewater

• CHNEP

  Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

  The CHNEP is a partnership that protects the estuaries and watersheds from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven.

  • Hendry Creek Basin onsite treatment and disposal systems: Implementing a voluntary homeowner management program

• SWFLRPC

  Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

  • Resolution: Managed Care Model Guidance for Onsite Wastewater Systems Planning, Treatment and Management

  • OSTDS Management - an overview of EPA management models, case studies, and financing options

• Florida CHARTS

  Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Kit

  This site includes such health statistics as births, deaths, disease morbidity, population and behavioral risk factors.