Downloads
CS/CS/CS/HB 589 — Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Permits
by State Affairs Committee; Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee; Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee; and Rep. Nix and others (CS/CS/SB 698 by Rules Committee; Environment and Natural Resources Committee; and Senator Martin)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Environment and Natural Resources Committee (EN)
The bill provides that if a building or plumbing permit is issued for a single-family residence that requires the use of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (septic system), a municipality or political subdivision of the state may not require an owner or builder to obtain a construction permit for the septic system as a condition of issuing the building or plumbing permit. The bill requires the owner or builder to provide proof that they submitted an application for the septic system when applying for the building or plumbing permit.
The bill requires a property owner or applicant for a septic system permit to assume all legal, financial, and safety liabilities arising from the construction of a septic system if the construction commences before the issuance of the septic system permit.
The bill also provides that any new rules relating to the use and installation of a septic system that are adopted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will not apply to permit applications submitted within 90 days after the date the rules are adopted. This provision is effective July 1, 2026.
Except as otherwise provided, if approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 109-0