TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Dec. 21, 2012 – A bill backed by Florida Realtors during the 2012 session of the Florida Legislature allowed counties at high risk for water pollution to opt out of a mandatory septic tank inspection that became law two years earlier. The 19 counties with the state’s 33 largest springs had until Jan. 1, 2013, to opt out, and all have now officially done so.

Prior to passage of HB 1263 earlier this year, Florida had a mandatory septic tank inspection on the books, which could have stalled some closings or made them more expensive for sellers. The new law gives local governments flexibility, though that means septic tank laws can change from county to county. Also, septic tank inspections cannot be required as a condition of sale.

To help Floridians and local governments understand the new rules, the DOH developed an informational webpage with information on services and the law. (Link underlined to: http://myfloridaeh.com/septictanksystems/)

The 19 opt-out counties include: Alachua, Bay, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Volusia and Wakulla. It also lists first magnitude springs in three cities: High Springs, Fanning Springs and Weeki Wachee.

Local governments can still choose to opt into the septic tank inspection program at any time.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health webpage, or call your county commission, city commission or local county health department.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®