Grayton Beach Septic Tank Owners

The Florida State Government has delayed the inspection dates that were to start in January  11,2011. They will be looking at this law in the Spring and will be making changes. Will post any updates that I hear.

Original Law:

As of 1/11/2011, SB 550 will require that all septic tank owners in Florida have their tanks pumped and inspected every five years. The inspection requirement will be phased in over the following 5 years.

The Florida Department of Health is drafting rules to enforce compliance. This must be done whether the tanks have shown any problems or not. Inspection and pumping will probably cost in the neighborhood of $400 to $500. This rule will cost the state's 2,600,000 septic-using homeowners a grand total of approximately $1.3 billion dollars every 5 years for inspections alone.

If your tank fails the state inspection, it must be repaired or replaced and brought up to the new inspection standards. To completely replace some drain fields, the cost will be in the range of $3,000-9,000 or more, plus the inspection fees.

If you fail to have your tank inspected, the fine is $500 per day plus you may also be charged with a misdemeanor. If your septic does not pass and you can't afford to repair it, and cannot qualify for a grant, you may not be allowed to live in your house. The law provides for termination of electric service for those owners who have a non-compliant, non-government certified septic system.