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.
Property owners installing, repairing, or modifying a septic system where sewer is unavailable, typically via a licensed septic contractor.
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/environmentApply 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-sewageInstall 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| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OSTDS permit fees | Not verified | Pinellas-specific fee schedule not published on the fetched pages; contact DOH-Pinellas at 727-538-7277 |
Fee amounts change, the linked official schedule always controls.
Parts of Pinellas are in active septic-to-sewer conversion areas (see the knowledge article); a conversion project may change your obligations.