TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - There are Amid concerns that leaky septic systems are polluting waterways and legislation has been filed at the state capitol.
It would require the Florida Department of Health to identify all septic systems in the state by January 1st, 2021, and provide a map of the systems.
The bill also would require the agency to inspect septic systems at least once every five years.
Republican State Senator Joe Gruters is sponsoring the measure.
He hopes to include required state and local funding in the legislation, to help homeowners pay for the testing.
"It's not meant to be cost prohibitive. I know that I feel for people who are on a fixed budget. We have to do something to make sure that we can make this process affordable," said Senator Gruters.
It is estimated that there are between two and three million septic tanks in Florida, and roughly ten percent of them are likely leaking waste and nutrients into the environment.
