The Florida Legislature passed legislation today which takes the first step in repealing a septic tank inspection mandate set to begin on January 1,2011. The bill, sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and Representative Marti Coley (R-Marianna), stops the implementation of the mandate which Gaetz describes as “too costly and too intrusive.”
 
“We are one step closer to repealing this law that would cause a tremendous financial burden to Floridians already suffering from the worst economy in generations,” said Gaetz.   The senator also objected to the way the mandate was included in a larger water quality bill during the 2010 session without sufficient explanation of its consequences. 
 
Gaetz’s bill stops state agencies from requiring millions of Floridians who have septic tanks to be subjected to inspections which would cost hundreds of dollars each.
Instead, the Legislature enacted a six month delay in the effective date of the inspections.  That will allow lawmakers to hold public hearings and consider an outright repeal of the mandate.