Florida Department of Health in Indian River County (DOH-Indian River) is responsible for permitting and inspection of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) here in Indian River County. There are approximately 30,467 properties in Indian River County served by OSTDS. Please see the septic map developed by Indian River County GIS depicting areas served by OSTDS. OSTDS are regulated through Section 381.0065 Florida Statutes (FS) and Chapter 64E-6 Florida Administrative Code (FAC).

Knowledge and maintenance of individual OSTDS is important to the environment, public health and our community. Please find resources for maintenance below:

• Protecting Your Home, Caring for Your Septic System
• A Homeowner's Guide to Septic System

Please visit the Florida Department of Health Onsite Sewage webpage for more forms and information regarding the onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (septic) program.

Construction permits are required for any work done to your drainfield, but are not required for routine pump-outs and maintenance. It is recommended that property owners get written contracts for work to be performed on their property. In addition to construction permits, DOH-Indian River also issues annual operating permits for advanced water treatment systems, systems operated in areas zoned for industrial manufacturing and systems serving some commercial businesses like food service establishments.

For your convenience we are providing the following:

• State of Florida Department of Health OSTDS Application for Construction Permit and Instructions
• Site Plan Instructions - 64E6.004, FAC
• Owner Authorization Form

RESIDENTIAL PLAN REVIEWS

Building Permit Applications on Properties Served by a Septic System

DOH-Indian River must review and approve your plan before your building permit can be issued. 

To expedite this process, please indicate the location of the septic tank, drainfield, and any well on your site plan, along with the proposed improvement. This includes building applications for pools, detached garages, and additions.

Residential building additions may require modification of the existing septic system.

Residential review and permit fees range from $35 to $400.

COMMERCIAL PLAN REVIEWS

Commercial Plan Reviews are forwarded to DOH-Indian River from the local planning department to review for any OSTDS or other environmental health issues. Please contact us at 772-794-7440 should you have any questions or would like to discuss the project with staff.

Commercial review and permit fees for properties served by OSTDS range from $50 to $400. Commercial plan review fees for properties served by public sewer are typically $35 unless they are a regulated facility.

Interagency Coordination Regarding Regulated Establishments (form attached)

*Note:  This page contains materials in the Portable Document Format (PDF). The free Adobe Acrobat Reader may be required to view these files.