Hernando County, Florida septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Florida Department of Health in Hernando County — Environmental Health / Onsite Sewage Disposal

DOH-Hernando Environmental Health: 352-540-6812; [email protected]; 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606.

Florida regulatory framework

Florida DEP is responsible for statewide OSTDS statutes and Chapter 62-6 rules. During the phased program transition, permitting authority depends on county: many counties still use the Florida Department of Health county office, while DEP directly permits selected counties. SepticScope identifies the current permitting office rather than assuming one statewide filing path.

Permit required for new, repair, modification, and existing-system approvals

DOH-Hernando states that all proposed new installations, repairs, modifications, and approvals of existing systems require a permit from the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County. The county office also provides the local inspection process after permit issuance.

Current county fee schedule is published

The county permit instructions currently list $350 for a new-construction permit, $300 for a repair permit, $50 for abandonment, and separate charges for existing-system verification, additional inspections, site re-evaluation, and other services. Because the fee sheet can be revised, applicants should confirm the current total when submitting.

Repair applications require tank certification/pump-out documentation

DOH-Hernando’s permit instructions state that repair-permit applications require a tank certification/pump-out form when submitted. Existing-system verification associated with an addition can also require floor plans and tank certification documentation.

Inspection requests use the county online scheduler

DOH-Hernando directs system inspection and reinspection requests through the county online inspection scheduler and states that those requests should be submitted by a certified provider rather than the homeowner or dwelling occupant.

Enhanced nitrogen-reducing rules now affect specified spring-protection areas

Effective December 15, 2025, DOH-Hernando states that repairs or modifications to existing septic systems on all lot sizes in Priority Focus Areas within the Homosassa and Chassahowitzka Springs Group and Weeki Wachee BMAP areas must use an enhanced nitrogen-reducing system. Property location therefore matters before selecting a repair design.

Official sources

SepticScope summarizes public-agency information for planning purposes. The permitting agency's current instructions control if they differ from this guide.