Who permits septic systems in Marion County
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) now issues septic permits in Marion County. The 2020 Clean Waterways Act moved the state's septic program from the Department of Health to DEP on July 1, 2021, and DEP took over day-to-day permitting in Marion County on July 1, 2025. DEP plans to move the remaining Florida counties over by the end of 2026.
For a new system or a major repair, you apply to DEP. The site evaluation can be done by DEP or by a qualified private site evaluator, which can help when a closing date is tight.
Why the springs matter
Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs are both in Marion County, and both are fed by the aquifer under your yard. Conventional septic systems don't remove nitrogen, and in sandy soil that nitrogen reaches the groundwater and the springs. The state's Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs restoration plan (a Basin Management Action Plan, or BMAP) sets septic rules to reduce it.
Rules for new septic systems (as of August 2026)
| Where the lot is | Requirement | In effect since |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the Silver/Rainbow BMAP, lot of 1 acre or less | Enhanced nitrogen-reducing (ENR) system required | July 1, 2023 |
| Inside a priority focus area (PFA), any lot size | ENR system required | July 27, 2026 |
Rules for existing systems
- Nothing changes on a system that is working and isn't being repaired or modified.
- A repair or modification permit for a system in a priority focus area can trigger the ENR requirement, depending on the lot.
- The 2025 springs plans require conventional systems in covered areas to upgrade to ENR, install another system with at least 65% nitrogen reduction, or connect to sewer within 20 years of the plan's adoption.
How to check your property
Use DEP's priority focus area map at FloridaDEP.gov/PFAMap. Final status is confirmed during the site evaluation. DEP's septic upgrade incentive program may help with ENR costs for eligible homeowners.
Sources
- DEP onsite sewage permitting FAQ
- DEP onsite sewage program transfer
- DEP enhanced nutrient-reducing requirements table, August 2026 (PDF)
- DEP Springs and Aquifer Protection Act fact sheet (PDF)
Related: drain field replacement · new septic installation · septic service in Dunnellon · septic service in Silver Springs
How it works
- Call or request a quoteTell us what's going on and where you are.
- Get a price up frontAsk the septic company for a price before any work starts.
- Get it doneSchedule the pump-out, inspection or repair with a local company.
Why call us
- One callSkip calling around. Tell us what you need and we'll point you to a local company.
- Local companiesSeptic companies that work in Marion County.
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Call now(352) 738-8852Common questions
Who issues septic permits in Marion County?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection. DEP took over septic permitting in Marion County on July 1, 2025.
Does my existing septic system have to be upgraded now?
Not if it's working and you aren't repairing or modifying it. A repair or modification permit in a priority focus area can trigger the nitrogen-reducing requirement.
How do I know if my lot is in a priority focus area?
Check DEP's map at FloridaDEP.gov/PFAMap. Final status is confirmed during the site evaluation.
Request septic service
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