The Florida DEP Application for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Construction Permit (Form DEP4015, formerly DH4015, current revision incorporated by reference in Rule 62-6.004, F.A.C.) is the form every property owner, builder, or licensed septic contractor must file with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — through the local county health department (CHD) or the new online OSTDS permit portal — before installing, repairing, modifying, or abandoning a septic system anywhere in Florida. Filing the wrong version, missing a setback, or skipping a soil evaluation can stall a closing, void a construction loan, or trigger enforcement under §381.0065, Florida Statutes.
Florida processes more than 90,000 OSTDS permit actions a year, and the Florida DEP Onsite Sewage Program reports that incomplete site plans and missing setback measurements are the single largest cause of permit rejection. Here is what this guide covers:
- 📋 The exact field-by-field walkthrough of Form DEP4015, page 1 (application), page 2 (site plan), and page 3 (site evaluation).
- 🏠 Three real filer scenarios — new construction, failed-system repair, and an aerobic system in a BMAP zone.
- 💵 Current statewide fee ranges plus county surcharges, payment methods, and processing times.
- 🚫 The 10 mistakes that get applications kicked back and how to avoid each one.
- ❓ 14 plain-English FAQs that answer the field-level questions filers ask most.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form DEP4015 is the Application for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Construction Permit, and it is the gatekeeper document for any septic work in Florida. The form is issued under Chapter 62-6, F.A.C., which DEP took over from the Florida Department of Health on July 1, 2021, under §381.0065, F.S.. The transition is rolling out by region, and DEP confirms on its Onsite Sewage FAQ – Permitting page that Northwest Florida and Marion County now permit through DEP, while the remaining counties still file through the local CHD acting as DEP’s contracted agent.
The form must be filed by anyone who will install, repair, modify, abandon, or substantially change an onsite sewage system. That includes the property owner, a licensed Master Septic Tank Contractor, a Professional Engineer designing a performance-based system, or an authorized agent. Rule 62-6.003, F.A.C. is clear: no portion of an OSTDS may be installed, repaired, altered, modified, or abandoned without a permit in hand first.
The reach is wide. The form covers single-family homes, mobile homes, duplexes, small commercial buildings under 5,000 gallons-per-day estimated sewage flow, and replacement systems for failing tanks. Larger flows or industrial waste fall under Chapter 62-600, F.A.C. and need a different domestic wastewater permit, not DEP4015. If the property is inside a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) area such as Wakulla Springs, Silver Springs, or the Indian River Lagoon, the Onsite Sewage Program News & Rulemaking page confirms that enhanced nitrogen-reducing standards now apply, and the form must reflect that upgraded design.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gathering the right paperwork before you open the form is the single best way to avoid a rejection letter. The site evaluator and permit reviewer cross-check every field against the supporting documents you attach, and a missing item halts the file. Use the checklist below as your pre-flight list.
- Recorded deed or property survey. Confirms ownership, parcel size, and legal description; without it the permit reviewer cannot verify lot size or setbacks.
- Property Appraiser parcel ID. The 10–25 digit folio number from your county appraiser; a wrong digit routes the permit to the wrong parcel.
- Site plan drawn to scale. Must show structures, wells, surface water, driveways, and proposed tank/drainfield location; the Onsite Sewage FAQ confirms a scale drawing is mandatory.
- Floor plan of the building. Used to count fixture units and bedrooms, which drives the estimated sewage flow.
- Well location data. Distance to your well and every neighboring well within 75 feet; setbacks under Rule 62-6.005, F.A.C. are non-negotiable.
- Soil/percolation evaluation. Performed by a registered septic contractor or DEP staff, recorded on page 3 (the DEP4015 site evaluation sheet).
- Contractor license number. A valid Florida Master or Registered Septic Tank Contractor number; unlicensed installs are a third-degree misdemeanor under §381.0065(4)(j), F.S.
- Engineer signature and seal (if applicable). Required for performance-based, ATU, or any system over 1,500 GPD.
- Payment method. Credit card on the MyFloridaEHPermit portal, check, or money order made payable to the local CHD or DEP.
- Authorization letter. If a contractor or agent is signing on the owner’s behalf, a signed and dated owner authorization must be attached.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official, current version of the application is hosted on the DEP Onsite Sewage Forms and Publications page. Always pull the form from that page rather than a third-party site, because the revision date matters — older DH-prefixed versions still circulate online and reviewers will reject them. Confirm the revision date printed in the lower-left footer of page 1 matches the date listed on the DEP forms index before you start typing.
You can also fill the form digitally inside the MyFloridaEHPermit portal, which guides you through each field, validates the parcel ID against the county tax roll, and lets you upload PDFs of the site plan, deed, and floor plan. Using the portal is faster because it flags missing fields in real time and timestamps your submission, which counts as proof of filing under Rule 62-6.004, F.A.C..
If you prefer paper, print the form single-sided on white 8.5×11 paper, complete it in black ink or typed, and deliver it in person or by U.S. mail to the local CHD environmental health office. Counties under DEP direct permitting (Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Marion, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington per the DEP FAQ) submit instead to the DEP district office. Either way, ask the clerk for a date-stamped copy — that stamp is your proof of filing.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form DEP4015 Line by Line
Form DEP4015 has three pages: page 1 is the application, page 2 is the site plan, and page 3 is the site evaluation. Each page has its own logic, and each box must be filled exactly as shown on the official form. Below is every field, in order, with plain-English instructions, an example entry, a nuance, a common mistake, and a misconception.
Page 1, Box 1 — Permit Number (Office Use Only)
This top-right box is for the CHD or DEP intake clerk to stamp the assigned permit number. You leave it blank when you submit. The clerk writes the format AP1234-25 (application prefix, sequential number, year) once your packet is logged into the Environmental Health Database. When Carlos drops off his packet in Leon County, the clerk hands the file back stamped AP0987-26, and that becomes Carlos’s tracking number.
The nuance is that the portal auto-generates the number the moment you click Submit, so digital filers see it immediately on the confirmation screen. The most common mistake is filers writing their own number into this box from a prior permit — that creates a duplicate-number error that bounces the file out of the database queue. The misconception is that a blank Box 1 means the form is incomplete; it does not, and writing in this field will delay your review.
Page 1, Box 2 — Application Type
Box 2 asks whether you want a New System, Existing System, Repair, Modification, Abandonment, or Innovative/Performance-Based permit. Check exactly one box. Maria Lopez, replacing a failed drainfield, checks Repair; Carlos Reyes, building a new home, checks New System; Janet Pierce, adding a bedroom over an existing tank, checks Modification.
The nuance is that a tank-only replacement on an otherwise functioning system still counts as Repair, not Modification. The most common mistake is checking New System when the lot already has an abandoned tank on record — that triggers a second abandonment permit requirement under Rule 62-6.011, F.A.C. and a fee surprise. The misconception is that Modification covers added bedrooms automatically; it only does so if the existing drainfield has reserve capacity for the new fixture units.
Page 1, Box 3 — Owner/Applicant Name and Mailing Address
Enter the property owner’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the recorded deed, plus the mailing address where the permit and inspection notices should be sent. Use MARIA L. LOPEZ, 4421 PINE RIDGE RD, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32303. If a contractor is the applicant, the owner still goes here and the contractor goes in Box 9.
The nuance is that PO boxes are allowed for mailing, but a physical 911 address must still appear in Box 4 for the property itself. The most common mistake is using a nickname or married name that does not match the deed; reviewers cross-check the appraiser roll and a name mismatch creates a cannot verify ownership hold. The misconception is that you can use the contractor’s address as a shortcut — you cannot, because final permit notices have to reach the owner of record.
Page 1, Box 4 — Property Location (911 Address)
This is the physical street address of the parcel where the system will be installed. Include the 911 address, city, and ZIP. Carlos Reyes writes 1875 RED OAK LANE, CRAWFORDVILLE, FL 32327. If the parcel has no 911 address yet, write NO 911 ADDRESS — SEE PARCEL ID and rely on Box 5 for identification.
The nuance is for raw rural land where the county has not yet assigned a 911 number; in those cases you must apply for one through the county addressing office before DEP can issue the permit. The most common mistake is writing a future address (the one you hope to be assigned) — reviewers verify against the county GIS, and a phantom address fails the check. The misconception is that the construction site address matches the owner’s mailing address; on rural builds and second homes they often differ.
Page 1, Box 5 — Property Identification (Parcel ID/Folio Number)
Enter the full parcel ID exactly as listed by your county property appraiser. Format varies by county, so copy it character-for-character, including dashes. Janet Pierce in Alachua County writes 07845-001-002; Carlos in Wakulla writes 00-00-021-000-04321-00.
The nuance is that some counties use both a Strap and a folio; DEP wants the folio. The most common mistake is dropping leading zeros, which sends the parcel to the wrong section/township/range and triggers a parcel not found rejection. The misconception is that the parcel ID is optional if you provide a 911 address; it is not — Rule 62-6.004(2), F.A.C. makes the parcel identifier mandatory.
Page 1, Box 6 — Lot Size and Subdivision Information
Provide total lot area in square feet or acres, plus the subdivision name, lot, and block if platted. Carlos enters 1.25 ACRES, RED OAK ESTATES, LOT 14, BLOCK B. For unplatted rural land, write METES AND BOUNDS — SEE DEED.
The nuance is that lot size drives the maximum allowable sewage flow under Rule 62-6.005(4), F.A.C.; a 0.25-acre lot caps at 1,500 GPD per acre on potable-water lots. The most common mistake is rounding up the lot size from a survey that shows 0.92 acres to 1.0 — DEP catches the discrepancy and the design density fails. The misconception is that lots inside subdivisions are automatically septic-eligible; many recorded plats restrict OSTDS in favor of central sewer.
Page 1, Box 7 — Building Use and Number of Bedrooms
Check the building use (Single-Family Residence, Mobile Home, Duplex, Commercial, etc.) and enter the bedroom count. Maria checks Single-Family Residence and writes 3 BEDROOMS. For commercial, you list the establishment type — RESTAURANT, 60 SEATS or RV PARK, 24 SITES.
The nuance is that any room with a closet that could function as a bedroom counts, even if the floor plan calls it a “study” or “den.” The most common mistake is undercounting bedrooms to keep the design flow low — when the building permit later shows four bedrooms, DEP requires a re-permit and a larger drainfield. The misconception is that a basement room or detached guest cottage doesn’t count toward bedroom load; under Table I of Rule 62-6.008, F.A.C., it does.
Page 1, Box 8 — Estimated Sewage Flow (Gallons Per Day)
Calculate estimated sewage flow using Table I of Rule 62-6.008, F.A.C.: residential is the larger of 100 GPD per bedroom or 50 GPD per fixture unit. Carlos with 4 bedrooms writes 400 GPD; Janet’s 60-seat restaurant uses 40 GPD per seat = 2,400 GPD.
The nuance is that water-saving fixtures do not let you reduce the per-bedroom number below 100 GPD — Florida’s table sets a hard floor. The most common mistake is using the contractor’s “rule of thumb” (250 GPD for any house), which produces an undersized drainfield and shortens system life by years. The misconception is that estimated flow equals actual water use; it is a design flow used to size the system for peak load, not a meter reading.
Page 1, Box 9 — Contractor Information and License Number
Enter the installing contractor’s company name, Master Septic Tank Contractor (SR/SM) license number, phone, and signature. Carlos’s installer writes NORTH FLORIDA SEPTIC LLC, SR0011234, (850) 555-0142.
The nuance is that the registered contractor (SR) installs and the Master contractor (SM) supervises and pulls the permit; both names must appear if they are different people. The most common mistake is using a plumber’s license number — a state plumbing license is not a septic license, and the application is rejected on intake. The misconception is that homeowners can skip Box 9; owner-builders can install their own system on their homestead but must still write OWNER-BUILDER and attach the homestead exemption affidavit.
Page 1, Box 10 — Owner’s Signature and Date
The owner signs and dates the application in MM/DD/YYYY format, certifying the information is true. Maria signs Maria L. Lopez and dates 03/14/2026. If an authorized agent signs, attach the notarized authorization letter from the owner.
The nuance is that electronic signatures through the MyFloridaEHPermit portal are accepted under §668.50, F.S.. The most common mistake is dating the form before all other fields are complete, which can invalidate the signature if you later edit a box. The misconception is that a contractor’s signature can replace the owner’s; it cannot, unless a properly recorded power of attorney is attached.
Page 2, Site Plan — Scale, North Arrow, and Property Boundaries
Page 2 must be drawn to a stated scale (typically 1” = 20’ or 1” = 30’) with a north arrow and dimensioned property lines. Carlos draws his 1.25-acre lot at 1” = 40’ with all four boundary dimensions labeled.
The nuance is that the scale must be large enough that the smallest setback (5 feet from a property line) is visible; a 1” = 100’ scale is automatically rejected for residential lots. The most common mistake is omitting the north arrow, which makes setback verification impossible from aerial imagery. The misconception is that a hand-drawn plan won’t be accepted; it will, as long as it is legible, dimensioned, and to scale.
Page 2, Site Plan — Tank, Drainfield, and Reserve Area Locations
Show the proposed septic tank, drainfield, and the equally sized reserve area, each with dimensions and setbacks. Label the tank as 1,050-GAL TANK and the drainfield as 350 SF MOUND.
The nuance is that the reserve area must be the same size and quality as the primary drainfield and must remain unbuilt for the life of the system per Rule 62-6.005(2), F.A.C.. The most common mistake is placing the reserve area under a future driveway or pool — that triggers a redesign. The misconception is that a small reserve area is acceptable on tight lots; it is not, and the application is denied for lack of repair area.
Page 2, Site Plan — Wells, Surface Water, and Setbacks
Mark every potable well within 75 feet, every non-potable well within 50 feet, and every surface water body within 75 feet of the system. Label the distance from each. Maria’s plan shows NEIGHBOR WELL, 82 FT NE.
The nuance is that setback distances measure from the nearest edge of the drainfield to the casing of the well, not the wellhead structure. The most common mistake is measuring from the house instead of the drainfield, which understates the real distance. The misconception is that you only need to show your own well; you must show every well within reach of the setback radius, including neighbors’.
Page 2, Site Plan — Driveways, Buildings, Easements, and Slopes
Add all permanent improvements: driveways, sheds, pools, easements, and ground slopes greater than 10%. Show drainage flow with arrows.
The nuance is that recorded utility or drainage easements often prohibit drainfields entirely; DEP cross-checks the recorded plat. The most common mistake is leaving off a future pool or shed — once the building permit shows it, the OSTDS permit becomes invalid. The misconception is that flat lots don’t need slope arrows; if any part of the lot drops more than a foot across the system area, slope must be shown.
Page 3, Site Evaluation — Soil Profile and Texture
A registered evaluator records soil texture by horizon (e.g., 0–12” fine sand, 12–36” loamy sand, 36–60” clayey sand) using USDA classifications. The evaluator’s name and registration number go at the top of page 3.
The nuance is that slightly limited, moderately limited, and severely limited ratings under Rule 62-6.006, F.A.C. determine whether a standard, filled, or mound system is required. The most common mistake is filers performing their own soil borings; the evaluation must be done by a DEP-registered evaluator, or the form is rejected. The misconception is that one boring is enough; at least two borings inside the proposed drainfield footprint are required.
Page 3, Site Evaluation — Wet-Season Water Table
Record the estimated wet-season high water table in inches below land surface. Carlos’s evaluator notes WSHWT = 26 INCHES BELOW GRADE.
The nuance is that the bottom of the drainfield must be at least 24 inches above the WSHWT for a standard system per Rule 62-6.008(2), F.A.C.; shallower water tables force a mound or ATU design. The most common mistake is using dry-season observations and writing >72” — DEP staff catch it during the field check and the permit is voided. The misconception is that mottling alone establishes WSHWT; a mottle pattern indicates the table, but the evaluator’s recorded depth must reflect seasonal saturation evidence.
Page 3, Site Evaluation — Benchmark Elevation
The evaluator sets a permanent benchmark on the lot (typically a stake or a corner of the slab) and records its elevation in feet, used as the reference for system component elevations. Maria’s evaluator writes BM = TOP OF NW PROPERTY CORNER MARKER, EL. 100.00 FT (ASSUMED).
The nuance is that the benchmark must remain undisturbed until the final inspection; if construction activity destroys it, a re-survey is required. The most common mistake is using a tree as a benchmark — trees move and the elevation reference fails verification. The misconception is that the elevation must be tied to NAVD88; an assumed datum is acceptable as long as it is consistent across the plan.
Page 3, Site Evaluation — Evaluator Signature and Date
The DEP-registered evaluator signs and dates page 3, certifying the soil and water table data. The signature must be original ink on paper submissions, or a digital signature on portal submissions.
The nuance is that the site evaluation is valid for 12 months from the signature date; if construction does not start within that window, a re-evaluation is required. The most common mistake is submitting an evaluation older than a year, which triggers an automatic rejection. The misconception is that the evaluator’s certification covers design adequacy; it does not — design sign-off is the contractor’s or engineer’s responsibility.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three scenarios below show how three different filers move through Form DEP4015 from start to finish. Each table covers the highest-value fields a reviewer scrutinizes first.
Scenario 1 — Carlos Reyes, New 4-Bedroom Home in Wakulla County (BMAP Zone)
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 2 — Application Type | New System (Performance-Based for BMAP) |
| Box 3 — Owner Name | CARLOS A. REYES, 1875 RED OAK LANE, CRAWFORDVILLE, FL 32327 |
| Box 5 — Parcel ID | 00-00-021-000-04321-00 |
| Box 6 — Lot Size | 1.25 ACRES, RED OAK ESTATES, LOT 14, BLOCK B |
| Box 7 — Building Use | Single-Family Residence, 4 Bedrooms |
| Box 8 — Estimated Flow | 400 GPD |
| Box 9 — Contractor | NORTH FLORIDA SEPTIC LLC, SR0011234, supervised by SM-0004567 |
| Page 2 — System Type | 1,250-GAL TANK + ATU + 500 SF MOUND, RESERVE 500 SF EAST |
| Page 3 — WSHWT | 18 INCHES — MOUND REQUIRED |
| Page 3 — Evaluator | J. KIM, DEP REG. EV-04421, 02/22/2026 |
Scenario 2 — Maria Lopez, Failed Drainfield Repair on Existing 3-Bedroom Home
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 2 — Application Type | Repair |
| Box 3 — Owner Name | MARIA L. LOPEZ, 4421 PINE RIDGE RD, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32303 |
| Box 5 — Parcel ID | 31-23-20-1100-0140-0030 |
| Box 7 — Building Use | Single-Family Residence, 3 Bedrooms (Existing) |
| Box 8 — Estimated Flow | 300 GPD |
| Box 9 — Contractor | CAPITAL SEPTIC SERVICES, SR0009876 |
| Attachment — Tank Cert | EXISTING 900-GAL TANK, PUMPED 03/01/2026, CERT ATTACHED |
| Page 2 — System Layout | EXISTING TANK STAYS, NEW 300 SF DRAINFIELD 8 FT WEST OF OLD |
| Page 3 — WSHWT | 32 INCHES — STANDARD DRAINFIELD OK |
| Box 10 — Signature/Date | Maria L. Lopez, 03/14/2026 |
Scenario 3 — Janet Pierce, Adding a Bedroom and a 60-Seat Restaurant Permit
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 2 — Application Type | Modification (Residential) + New System (Commercial) |
| Box 3 — Owner Name | PIERCE FAMILY HOLDINGS LLC, 902 LAKE ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32601 |
| Box 5 — Parcel ID | 07845-001-002 |
| Box 6 — Lot Size | 2.10 ACRES, UNPLATTED — METES AND BOUNDS |
| Box 7 — Building Use | Single-Family (4 BR after add) + Restaurant, 60 Seats |
| Box 8 — Estimated Flow | 400 GPD residential + 2,400 GPD commercial = 2,800 GPD |
| Box 9 — Contractor | GATOR ENVIRONMENTAL, SM0002211, P.E. SEAL ATTACHED |
| Page 2 — Wells | PRIVATE WELL 95 FT NORTH, NEIGHBOR WELL 110 FT EAST |
| Page 3 — Soil | FINE SAND 0–48”, LOAMY SAND 48–72” |
| Engineer Seal | R. PATEL, P.E. FL-78921, SIGNED 04/02/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
Florida DEP accepts Form DEP4015 through three filing channels, and each carries its own fee, processing time, and proof of filing. Knowing which channel fits your situation prevents weeks of avoidable delay.
Online portal. The fastest channel is the MyFloridaEHPermit portal, which is open 24/7 and accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and ACH. Standard new-system fees run roughly $350–$465 depending on county, with site evaluation typically $115 and re-evaluation $50. The Lee County Health Department new-permit page lists Lee’s application fee at $390 and a performance-based system at $465; the Hernando County Health Department fee sheet shows new construction at $350 and repair at $300. Processing typically runs 7–14 business days; your portal confirmation email is your proof of filing.
By mail. Send the original signed packet plus a check or money order to the local CHD environmental health office or the DEP district office for direct-permit counties. Expect 14–21 business days, plus mail time. Your proof of filing is the date-stamped postcard the office returns; certified mail with return receipt is a smart backup.
In person. Walk-in filing at the CHD or DEP district office gives you the fastest acknowledgment because the clerk date-stamps your copy on the spot. Bring two copies of the entire packet — one for them, one for you — plus payment. Cash is generally not accepted; check, money order, or card-on-file are standard. Processing then runs 7–14 business days.
By fax. A handful of CHDs still accept fax for repair-only permits where the existing system is failing and creating a sanitary nuisance under §386.041, F.S.. Call the local CHD first to confirm the fax line. Fee payment must follow within 48 hours, and your fax confirmation is your proof of filing.
What Happens After You File
Once your packet is accepted, the reviewer logs it into the Environmental Health Database and assigns the AP-####-YY permit number. A field evaluator schedules a site visit within 7 business days to verify the soil profile, water table, setbacks, and benchmark. If everything matches the application, the construction permit is issued and emailed or mailed to the applicant.
The construction permit is valid for 18 months from issuance under Rule 62-6.003, F.A.C., with one 90-day extension available if construction has not started. Once the contractor installs the system, the contractor calls in for the construction inspection before backfill, then the final inspection after grade is restored. Only after the final pass does DEP issue the Operating Permit (or, for conventional residential systems, a one-time approval that becomes part of the property record).
If the application is rejected, you receive a written deficiency letter listing each item to correct. You have 90 days to cure deficiencies without re-filing the fee. Past 90 days, the file closes and you start over. Appeals of denial decisions go to the DEP district office and ultimately to the Division of Administrative Hearings under Chapter 120, F.S..
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Florida DEP’s intake reviewers see the same errors over and over. Each one of the mistakes below has a direct consequence that costs you time, money, or both.
- Using an outdated DH-prefixed form. The current DEP4015 supersedes DH4015; filing the old version triggers an automatic intake rejection.
- Leaving the parcel ID blank or wrong. Reviewers cannot match the file to the appraiser roll, and the application is held until corrected.
- Undercounting bedrooms. A 4-bedroom house permitted as 3 bedrooms voids the OSTDS permit when the building permit shows the truth.
- Drawing the site plan to too small a scale. Setbacks under 10 feet become invisible, and the plan is rejected for illegibility.
- Omitting the reserve area. Forgetting the equal-sized repair area triggers a denial under Rule 62-6.005, F.A.C.
- Measuring well setbacks from the house. Setbacks run from the drainfield edge to the well casing; mismeasurement understates risk and fails verification.
- Using a plumber’s license for the contractor field. Only Florida Master/Registered Septic Tank Contractor numbers qualify; anything else is rejected.
- Submitting a stale site evaluation. Page 3 expires after 12 months; an old evaluation triggers a re-evaluation fee.
- Skipping the engineer seal on a system over 1,500 GPD. Commercial and large residential systems must carry a P.E. seal, or the file is denied.
- Signing before the form is complete. Edits made after the owner’s signature invalidate the certification and require a re-signed form.
- Forgetting BMAP nitrogen-reducing requirements. In BMAP zones, a conventional system designed without enhanced treatment is denied under the updated 62-6.001 rulemaking.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do download the form fresh from the DEP forms page every time, because revisions happen often.
- Do call the local CHD before filing in counties still under DOH-as-DEP-agent permitting to confirm fee amounts.
- Do include a north arrow and a stated scale on the site plan; reviewers use them with aerial imagery.
- Do keep a date-stamped copy of every page for your records, because contractors lose paperwork.
- Do verify the contractor’s license at the DBPR license search before signing Box 9.
- Do schedule the site evaluation early, because evaluator availability is the longest pole in the tent.
- Don’t guess at the WSHWT — paying $115 for a proper evaluation prevents a $5,000 system redesign.
- Don’t rely on the contractor to fill in owner fields, because owner-signed certifications cannot be delegated without a recorded POA.
- Don’t start excavation before the construction permit is issued; pre-permit work is a third-degree misdemeanor under §381.0065(4)(j), F.S.
- Don’t use whiteout or pencil; reviewers reject any form with altered fields.
- Don’t assume a portal submission was received without an emailed confirmation number.
- Don’t ignore the 18-month permit life; expired permits require full re-application and re-fee.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With a Licensed Contractor
| Filing on Your Own (Owner-Builder) | Filing With a Licensed Contractor |
|---|---|
| Saves the contractor’s permit-pull fee, often $200–$500. | Contractor knows local CHD reviewer preferences and shortcuts. |
| Forces you to learn your property’s soils and setbacks, which pays off later. | Faster turnaround because the contractor files dozens of these a year. |
| Full control over scheduling and design choices. | Errors are the contractor’s problem, not yours. |
| You keep all original paperwork and timestamps in your own file. | Contractor handles re-inspections and deficiency letters. |
| No coordination cost; you file when you’re ready. | Bonded and insured, so installation defects are covered. |
| Drawback: any field error is your delay. | Drawback: you pay a markup on the permit fee. |
| Drawback: you must perform the homestead owner-builder affidavit. | Drawback: contractor schedule may not match your closing date. |
| Drawback: lenders sometimes refuse owner-builder OSTDS permits. | Drawback: you cede control of design choices. |
| Drawback: no professional liability behind your numbers. | Drawback: you must verify the license is active. |
| Drawback: you carry the legal risk for under-permitted bedrooms. | Drawback: a bad contractor can drag the file for months. |
FAQs
Is Form DEP4015 the same as the old DH4015 form?
No. Florida DEP took over OSTDS permitting from DOH on July 1, 2021, and renamed the form DEP4015. The content is similar but the agency, fee structure, and submission portal changed.
Can I file the septic permit application online?
Yes. Use the MyFloridaEHPermit portal for both DEP-direct counties and CHD-contracted counties. The portal validates parcel data and emails a timestamped confirmation as proof of filing.
Do I need a licensed contractor to pull the permit?
No. Owner-builders may pull the permit on their homestead property, but they must file the homestead affidavit and meet all installation standards under Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.
How long is the construction permit valid?
Yes — for 18 months from issuance under Rule 62-6.003, F.A.C., with one possible 90-day extension if construction has not started.
Do I write my legal name or my nickname in Box 3?
No nicknames. Use the full legal name exactly as it appears on the recorded deed; mismatches trigger an ownership-verification hold.
Should I round my lot size up in Box 6?
No. Use the exact figure from your survey or deed. Rounding 0.92 acres to 1.0 fails the design-density check and bounces the application.
Is a parcel ID required if I provide a 911 address?
Yes. Rule 62-6.004(2), F.A.C. makes the parcel ID mandatory regardless of the street address you list in Box 4.
Do I count a study with a closet as a bedroom in Box 7?
Yes. Any room with a closet that could function as a bedroom counts toward the bedroom load under Table I of Rule 62-6.008, F.A.C.
Can I use my plumber’s license number in Box 9?
No. Box 9 requires a Florida Master or Registered Septic Tank Contractor license; plumbing licenses do not qualify.
Is one soil boring enough on page 3?
No. At least two borings inside the proposed drainfield footprint are required, performed by a DEP-registered evaluator.
Do I need a P.E. seal for a single-family home?
No — unless the system exceeds 1,500 GPD or is performance-based or in a BMAP zone, in which case a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer must seal the design.
What is the typical filing fee?
Yes, fees vary. New-construction fees run roughly $350–$465 plus a $115 site evaluation, with repairs around $300–$350, payable to the local CHD or DEP.
What happens if my site evaluation is older than 12 months?
No carry-over allowed. An evaluation past 12 months is automatically rejected, and a re-evaluation must be performed before the permit is issued.
Can I appeal a denial?
Yes. Deficiency letters give you 90 days to cure without re-filing fees, and final denials can be appealed to the Division of Administrative Hearings under Chapter 120, F.S.
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