The Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Wakulla County are dedicated to preserving the purity of our water resources and natural habitats. In a significant move towards this goal, we're announcing regulatory updates made by FDEP that will impact homeowners within the Priority Focus Areas (PFA) of the Wakulla Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). These changes specifically concern the repair and modification of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS).

Effective May 1, 2024, any septic system repairs or modifications within the PFA must be upgraded to nitrogen-reducing septic systems. This initiative aims at significantly reducing the levels of nitrogen entering our groundwater and waterways, a step critical to the health of our environment.

• Effective Date: The requirement for nitrogen-reducing septic systems will tentatively take effect on May 1, 2024.
• Scope: This mandate applies to all properties within the PFA, irrespective of the lot size.
• Requirement: Property owners seeking repair or modification permits for their OSTDS will need to upgrade to systems that reduce nitrogen output.

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Understanding the potential financial impact of these upgrades on homeowners, Wakulla County is excited to introduce the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program. This program is specifically designed to assist homeowners within the PFA 1 and 2 of the Wakulla Spring BMAP, making the transition to compliant OSTDS more accessible.

• Amount of Assistance: Up to $9,000 available for eligible homeowners.
• Eligibility Areas: Homeowners with failing septic systems or those seeking to upgrade to OSTDS within primary focus areas 1 and 2 of the Wakulla Spring BMAP.
• Start Date: Funding will be available beginning April 15, 2024. 

APPLY FOR THE SEPTIC UPGRADE INCENTIVE PROGRAM

You can determine your eligibility for funding or identify if the new requirement applies to your property by searching your address in FDEP's interactive map. 

INTERACTIVE MAP

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Wakulla County is committed to ensuring that all residents are well-informed and supported throughout these changes. For comprehensive details on the new requirements and the PFA, please visit mywakulla.com or call the Wakulla County Department of Health at 850-926-0400.

We value your cooperation and efforts in adhering to these new environmental protection measures. Together, we can safeguard our cherished natural resources for future generations.