Fight Is On Again To Repeal Mandatory Septic Tank Inspection Law

August 10, 2011

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A new bill has been filed to permanently flush Florida’s septic tank inspections off the law books. The law, which went into effect July 1, has not led to state mandated inspections because the Department of Health is not allowed to spend a dime on the inspection program without the go ahead from a legislative committee.

Rep. Marti Coley of Marianna filed a bill this this week aimed at dramatically scaling back the law that calls for septic tanks to be inspected every five years and that makes owners responsible for repairs. Similar proposals died at the end of the 2011 legislative session.

The inspections law, which was approved in 2010, has become a controversial issue, particularly among legislators who represent largely rural districts. Also, it would eliminate a grant funding that is slated to take effect in 2012.

Backers of the law said it was necessary to protect springs and other waterways from pollution, but opponents argued it would drive up costs for homeowners. Opponents believe that tests — the financial responsibility of the property owner — could cost up to $500 for each of Florida’s 2.6 million septic tanks.

The News Service Florida contributed to this report.

Comments

15 Responses to “Fight Is On Again To Repeal Mandatory Septic Tank Inspection Law”

  1. 429SCJ on August 14th, 2011 4:27 pm

    Amen Linda and Frank. These people want us to pay the taxes while they grow richer. Gold is bucking $1800 an ounce, rampant inflation is coming and these blood suckers want more. I would look at the turmoil in Europe, bad things coming people. I know I am glad, I owe the money changers nothing, but a boot.

  2. Linda on August 11th, 2011 1:52 pm

    The reason people don’t have their tanks fixed is beacuse they can’t afford it. So by having them inspected at $500.00 is going to help? Really?

  3. Frank on August 10th, 2011 8:55 pm

    Just another one setting in a high-rise looking down on the little people.

  4. xpeecee on August 10th, 2011 7:16 pm

    Lawmakers should be very careful, here! When good folks have had enough, they will quit playing the game!!!

  5. creek bather on August 10th, 2011 6:46 pm

    just think ,theres no need for an inspection,.,, if the tank don’t work the owner will have to have it fixed… if they would quit causing land owners a hardship , then the landowner could cleanup and maintain there properties,,,,,,,,,if not then they could be ticketed… .

  6. Jane on August 10th, 2011 6:21 pm

    Many petitions against this bill have been filed with our legislators…please support them by emailing your legislator telling them to vote it OUT! Governor Scott has already said he would sign a repeal of this law if it is brought to him for signature. It will very hard on seniors, people on fixed incomes and small businesses. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTAIVE! Email Greg Evers and Don Gaetz specifically if you don’t want this law to go into effect!

  7. southerner on August 10th, 2011 5:48 pm

    Kill the bill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  8. AGREE on August 10th, 2011 12:10 pm

    KILL the Bill!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. Molino-Anon on August 10th, 2011 10:32 am

    I think they want these inspections so they can find out where all of Florida’s economy is going.

  10. Bob hudson on August 10th, 2011 10:14 am

    Kill the bill, I believe the people have spoken their view on this issue .Just another over kill nanny state law.

  11. Fairlane63 on August 10th, 2011 10:12 am

    Please remember that Don Gaetz– the “conservative” who supposedly favors small government and less regulation– voted FOR the original septic tank inspection bill. Some conservative…

  12. S.L.B on August 10th, 2011 8:46 am

    If lawmakers want to protect springs and other waterways from pollution as the claim, then they should set the example first by going after the big waterway polluters and stop picking on the little guys. Nothing but a bunch of political bullies is all they are!

  13. WHAT?! on August 10th, 2011 8:46 am

    Are you kidding me?! We pay enough as it is with insurance and all the bull they pull (i.e. sink hole coverage..seriously?). The government gives all these incentives to buy a house to try and boost the economy and then turn around and pull some crap like this. Whats next? Monthly inspections on your electrical wiring, construction, roof? Give me a break! This is one of the reasons people just throw their hands up and walk away from their homes! The ones who stay and work their butts off to do right and pay their bills are the ones who get penalized. Give me a break……this is nothing more than another ploy to pad the pockets of the government agencies.

  14. xpeecee on August 10th, 2011 7:32 am

    @ 429SCJ

    Amen!!!

  15. 429SCJ on August 10th, 2011 6:33 am

    The nation will most likely be in full collaspe, before this extortion starts.