Septic System (OSTDS) Permit in Pinellas County
Florida transferred the septic (onsite sewage treatment and disposal system) program from the Department of Health to DEP under the 2020 Clean Waterways Act, but in Pinellas County the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) still handles septic permitting and inspections under DEP rules. DEP has directly taken over permitting only in 16 Panhandle counties and Marion County; Pinellas is not among them.
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Who needs this
Property owners installing, repairing, or modifying a septic system where sewer is unavailable, typically via a licensed septic contractor.
Steps
- 1
Confirm septic is allowed and needed
If central sewer is available, connection is generally required. Check with your sewer utility and DOH-Pinellas first.
pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environment - 2
Apply through DOH-Pinellas
New construction and repair permits are administered by DOH-Pinellas Environmental Public Health ([email protected], 727-538-7277) using the state OSTDS application forms published on DEP's onsite sewage page. Site evaluation (soils, water table, setbacks) is part of the application.
floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage - 3
Install with a licensed contractor and pass inspections
A registered septic contractor or plumber installs the system; the permitting office inspects before cover.
floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage
Requirements
- Site evaluation
- State OSTDS application forms
- Licensed installer
Documents
- Site plan
- Soil/percolation evaluation
- Floor plan/bedroom count for sizing
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OSTDS permit fees | New system typical state components: $100 application/plan review + $115 site evaluation + $55 permit + $5 research surcharge + $75 initial inspection (Rule 62-6.030 F.A.C.) | Rule 62-6.030(1) F.A.C., program moved from DOH 64E-6 to FDEP 62-6, amended 6-8-2026 (accessed 2026-09-01) |
Good to know
Parts of Pinellas are in active septic-to-sewer conversion areas (see the knowledge article); a conversion project may change your obligations.