Where sewer lines don't reach, a Clermont-area house treats its own wastewater in an onsite system: a tank, then a drainfield. Excavating for both is straightforward; getting the design approved is the part that takes planning.
Step one: a site evaluation
Florida DEP's permitting FAQ says every new system starts with an evaluation of the site's soil, topography and other conditions. In counties where the health department still runs permitting, a qualified professional does it, or the health department can, for a fee.
Step two: the permit
The application goes in with a site plan, a floor plan of the building and the fee, which the county health department sets by system type. DEP has taken over permitting directly only in Northwest Florida and Marion County so far, so confirm with DEP's FAQ who handles Lake County. Local ordinances can be stricter than the state's rules.
Step three: the dig
- Stake the approved tank and drainfield before clearing, and route machines around the drainfield.
- Place the pool and driveway so they don't conflict with the system.
- Get Sunshine 811 marks first.
Sources
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Onsite Sewage FAQ, Permitting
- Sunshine 811: Get started, create a ticket
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
What comes first for a new septic system in Florida?
An evaluation of the site's soil and topography. The permit application, with a site plan and floor plan, follows.
Get your septic dig quoted
Call, or fill out the form, and a contractor who digs in south Lake County will contact you. Quotes are free.
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