A septic tank that is no longer connected to a house plumbing system and drainfield, and is no longer being maintained, is a biological hazard if not properly abandoned. Florida requires an abandonment permit from the Department of Health, which costs $75, but not all states specify a permit (and inspection) for the work. Here’s how it’s stated in Chapter 64E-6.011 of the Florida Administrative Code:

 "Whenever the use of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system is discontinued following connection to a sanitary sewer, following condemnation or demolition or removal or destruction of a building or property or discontinuing use of a septic tank and replacement with another septic tank, the system shall be abandoned within 90 days and any further use of the system for any purpose shall be prohibited.”

    The tank must be pumped out by a licensed septage hauler, then either collapsed or punctured so that it will not hold water, hole filled with clean sand to grade, and then you can call for a final inspection. When you call for the final, be sure to have the receipt for pumping available for the inspector. 

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  To learn more about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS, see these other blog posts:

• What are the building code requirements for gray water reuse in Florida?

• What can I add to my septic tank to help it work better? 

• Why do septic tank contractors want you to get rid of your kitchen disposal?

• How can I tell if a house is connected to a septic tank system or sewer?

• How can I locate my septic tank?

• Does a septic tank have to be re-certified if a house has been vacant for a while?

• What is a grinder pump? 

• How often should I pump out the septic tank?

• Should I call a plumber or septic tank contractor when my septic tank backs up into the house? 

• Do I have to get a larger septic tank when I build a home addition?

• Where is the septic tank? Are you going to inspect it? 

• Can a house have more than one septic tank?

• What is the difference between gray water and black water in the plumbing code? 

• Is it alright to disconnect the washing machine drain from the septic tank and divert it to the ground in the yard?

    Visit our SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.