Sourced from Florida DEP onsite sewage permitting FAQ, last modified January 20, 2026 — last checked July 2026.
The Seventeen DEP Counties
DEP began issuing permits in sixteen Northwest Florida counties on January 2, 2025: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington. Marion County joined on July 1, 2025.
If your property is in one of those counties, apply through the online portal at ostds.floridadep.gov using Form DEP4015. Paper submissions are still accepted by mail to the Onsite Sewage Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3599, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 — but the portal is faster and puts your application in the system immediately.
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Everywhere Else
In all other counties, permits are issued by the Environmental Public Health Program at your local county health department. You use the same Form DEP4015, but submit it locally with a site plan, building floor plan, and the application fee.
Two practical differences matter here. Your county sets the total permitting fee, including any county-specific charges — which is why the cost of “a septic permit” varies so much across Florida. And many counties have local ordinances that exceed state requirements.
What About the Rest of the Transition?
Earlier program materials described a phased handoff completing in December 2026. DEP’s current guidance no longer states a date. As of its January 2026 update, the transition of remaining counties “will occur depending on legislative approval” and the timeline is listed as to be determined.
For a homeowner the practical takeaway is simple: check which authority currently handles your county rather than assuming, particularly if you read something written in 2025.
The Site Evaluation Choice
A site evaluation assesses soil, topography, and water table to determine what your property can support. In DEP counties you can either have DEP perform it or hire a qualified private site evaluator. If you go private, the evaluation must be completed and uploaded as part of your application, not after. In health department counties, the county can perform the evaluation for a fee, or you may hire privately at your own expense.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Florida counties permit through DEP?
Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Marion, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.
How do I apply for a septic permit in a DEP county?
Through the online portal at ostds.floridadep.gov using Form DEP4015, or by mail to the Onsite Sewage Program at 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3599, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400.
Are DEP permit fees different from county fees?
Yes. DEP charges state fees only, with no county surcharges. In health department counties, the county sets the total fee including local charges.
When will the rest of Florida transition to DEP?
No date has been announced. DEP states the transition of remaining counties will occur depending on legislative approval.