Getting a permit

Permits for septic tank systems and other onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems are issued by the State of Florida Department of Health's County Health Departments. Please note that many county health departments have local ordinances that may exceed state requirements for onsite septic systems.

Applying for the permit

To apply for a permit, download and complete an Application Form  (DH4015, page 1) and submit it, along with a Site Plan  (DH4015, page 2), a building floor plan, and the required application fee to your county's health department.  A Site Evaluation  (DH4015, page 3) is needed to determine the conditions on your property and must be performed by a qualified professional. If you want, the health department can perform the site evaluation for a fee. 

Your county health department will determine the total permitting fee based on the type of system needed for your property and the services you ask them to perform. The information in your application, site plan, building plan, and site evaluation will allow the health department to determine the construction needs for the system to serve your property.

Standards for septic tank systems and other onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems are found in 381.0065, Florida Statutes (FS) and Chapter 64E-6, Florida Administrative Code (FAC) .

For more information see:

Septic Tanks and Sewage Systems

Septic Tank Office
PIC Center 11805 SW 26 ST
Miami, Florida 33175
Hours of operation M-F 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tel: 786-315-2444
Fax: 786-315-2090.

If you have any general questions about septic tanks or other onsite sewage treatment and disposal system permits, please contact:

Dade County Health Department
1350 NW 14th Street
Miami, Florida 33125
305-324-2400

The Dade County Health Department is part of the State of Florida Department of Health (not Miami-Dade County). For related information, see the Bureau of Onsite Sewage.