Bill > S0796

This bill amends Florida's environmental regulations to establish a general permit for distributed wastewater treatment systems (DWTS), which are integrated wastewater treatment systems consisting of one or more distributed wastewater treatment units (DWTU). The bill allows property owners to replace existing onsite sewage systems with a DWTS if they meet specific requirements, including obtaining a permit by submitting a notification to the Department of Environmental Protection at least 30 days before installation. The DWTU must be designed by a registered professional, have a design capacity under 10,000 gallons per day, discharge into a subsurface application system with adequate water table separation, maintain proper setback distances from property lines and water sources, and ensure the owner has legal access for maintenance. Permittees must conduct monthly effluent sampling, monthly reporting, annual inspections, and ensure the DWTU does not create saturated ground conditions or negatively impact surface waters. The system can be remotely monitored using an electronic control system, and licensed operators can perform inspections electronically. The bill aims to provide a more flexible and technologically advanced approach to onsite wastewater treatment while maintaining environmental and public health standards. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/796