Representative Bembry Votes to Repeal Septic Tank Inspection Legislation

Tallahassee, FL – State Representative Leonard Bembry (D-Greenville) demonstrated throughout the recent 2011 legislative session his support for finding a solution to the statewide septic tank inspection program that was adopted in 2010 legislative session. Although the efforts to repeal the statewide mandated septic tank program did not pass the Senate, the 2011 Legislature took action to delay the implementation of the program.

Rural residents and other Florida homeowners on septic systems will not be required this year to undergo mandatory tank inspections as was previously scheduled. The program was delayed by language placed in the Implementing Bill for the General Appropriations Act. This bill required the Department of Health (DOH) to obtain approval from the Legislative Budget Commission (LBC) before implementation could occur. 

Still concerned about serious financial impacts on consumers, State Representative Leonard Bembry said he remains hopeful that lawmakers will permanently repeal a septic system inspection program that threatens to require property owners to potentially spend thousands of dollars on septic system testing. Representative Bembry stated, “I am committed to getting the septic tank inspection bill repealed or to a point it makes sense for our rural communities.  A one size fits all approach is not a reasonable solution for our people.”

In 2008, the DOH had determined each septic system owner would incur approximately $600 for each 5-year inspection cycle, with an average cost of more than $3000 for repairs in the estimated 8 to 9 percent of cases requiring repairs.

During the 2011 Session, the House passed a bill to repeal the required septic tank inspection on a vote of 110-3.  However, the Senate was unable to get the companion legislation passed before the close of Session.

In commenting about the legislative action, Representative Bembry stated, “I am pleased that the program will be delayed so the Legislature can get another shot at repealing the statewide mandate.  If we have a septic tank inspection law, it should be tied to the number of septic tanks per square mile in spring shed areas only, in order to be reasonable and fair for people in rural north Florida.”

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