Marion County New Septic Rules

If you own a home, farm or acreage around Ocala, there's a good chance it runs on a septic system. Florida has more than 2.7 million septic tanks, handling wastewater for about 30 percent of the state's population.

That makes a newer state law worth knowing about. Depending on where a property sits, it can change what a septic system needs, especially when you're buying, selling or building. Here's what it means in plain terms.

What changed?

In 2023, Florida passed a law called HB 1379 to cut down on the pollution that reaches our springs, rivers and groundwater. Septic systems leak nitrogen into the ground, and too much nitrogen hurts water quality.

The biggest change took effect July 1, 2023. In certain protected areas, a new septic system on a lot of one acre or less must be an upgraded, nitrogen-reducing system instead of a standard tank, unless city sewer is available to connect to. Florida DEP

Why this matters locally: much of the Ocala area falls under the Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs BMAP, a springs cleanup plan whose latest version took effect April 27, 2026. So these rules come up more often here than in many parts of Florida.

Three terms you'll hear

• BMAP (Basin Management Action Plan): A state and local plan to clean up a specific body of water. If a property is inside a BMAP area, extra septic rules may apply.
• OSTDS (Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System): The official name for a regular septic system.
• ENR system (Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing): An upgraded septic system that removes more nitrogen than a standard one. You may also hear it called a "nitrogen-reducing system."

What it could mean for your property

It all depends on the property's location and its septic system. An owner may need to:

• Install an upgraded, nitrogen-reducing septic system
• Connect to city sewer when it becomes available
• Meet extra permit or maintenance requirements

The easiest way to know is to look the address up. Florida DEP's Springs Protection page links to a free map showing which septic rules apply where, for both new and existing systems.

Tips for buyers and sellers

1. Bring it up early. Find out right away if the home is on septic and whether it's in a BMAP area. Surprises late in a deal are the ones that hurt.
2. Sellers, share what you know. Note any known septic details on the Seller's Property Disclosure form.
3. Get a septic inspection. It's a smart step for most septic properties, and it gives both sides real facts to work with.
4. Ask the experts when unsure. The Marion County Health Department or a licensed septic professional can explain what a specific property needs.
5. Talk it through before closing. If repairs, an upgrade or a sewer hookup might be needed, work out who handles it up front.

We're here to help

Septic rules can feel confusing, but you don't have to sort them out alone. At Golden Ocala Real Estate, we check these details early so buying or selling in Marion County goes smoothly.

Thinking about a move? Reach out to Alyssa Pascucci and the Golden Ocala team with any questions.

This post is for general information only and isn't legal or engineering advice. Rules can change, so always confirm a property's requirements with the county health department or Florida DEP.

Sources

• Florida Realtors, "Upcoming Changes to Septic Systems in Florida" (flyer)
• Florida DEP: HB 1379 FAQ
• Florida DEP: Florida Springs BMAPs
• Florida DEP: Springs Protection and BMAPs