Definitions. — Florida Code § 489.551

Florida Code § 489.551 — Definitions.. Reproduced from the official Florida Statutes, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 489.551. Definitions.

As used in this part: (1) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection. (2) “Master septic tank contractor” means a septic tank contractor whose services are unlimited in the septic tank trade who has had at least 3 years’ experience as a Florida-registered septic tank contractor or a plumbing contractor certified under part I of this chapter who has provided septic tank contracting services for at least 3 years and who has the experience, knowledge, and skills to install, maintain, repair, close repairs of, and alter all types of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, to design onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, where not prohibited by law, to perform and submit soil evaluations, when determined to meet site-evaluation expertise established by rule, and to use materials and items used in the installation and maintenance of all types of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. (3) “Onsite sewage treatment and disposal system” means a system that contains a standard subsurface, filled, or mound drainfield system; an aerobic treatment unit; a graywater system tank; a laundry wastewater system tank; a septic tank; a grease interceptor; a dosing tank; a solids or effluent pump; a waterless, incinerating, or organic waste-composting toilet; or a sanitary pit privy that is installed or proposed to be installed beyond the building sewer on land of the owner or on other land to which the owner has the legal right to install a system. This term does not include package sewage treatment facilities and other treatment works regulated under chapter 403. (4) “Septic tank contractor” means a contractor who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, perform site evaluations for repairs, when determined to meet site-evaluation expertise established by rule, and use material and items used in the installation and maintenance of all kinds of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.

Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

  • Citation: Florida Statutes § 489.551
  • Jurisdiction: Florida
  • Code: Florida Statutes
  • Subject: Definitions.
  • Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official Florida Statutes. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Florida attorney.

Common questions

What is the source of Florida Statutes § 489.551?

The text above is transcribed from the Florida Statutes, the codified statutes of Florida. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does Florida Statutes § 489.551 address?

It addresses "Definitions.". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is Florida Statutes § 489.551 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Florida source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Florida law to your facts requires a licensed Florida attorney who can review the specifics.