Wakulla Springs Septic Rules for Leon and Wakulla Homeowners
If your lot drains toward Wakulla Springs, the state may require a nitrogen-reducing septic system. Here is the plain-English version of who is affected, when and what to do.
- New systems on small lots
- Repairs in the priority focus area
- County incentive history
- How to check your address
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The short version
New system
On a lot of one acre or less in a springs basin where sewer is not available, the system has to be nitrogen-reducing (FDEP).
Existing system, repair
Rules depend on the basin. In Wakulla County, repairs inside the priority focus area must upgrade, starting May 1, 2024 (Wakulla County).
Where sewer is coming
If sewer will become available, the fact sheet allows repair or modification of the septic system instead of an upgrade (FDEP).
For installs, see nitrogen-reducing septic systems.
Why the springs get special rules
Wakulla Springs is a showpiece, and nitrogen from many sources has choked it with weeds and algae.
Leon County says failing septic systems are contributing to the decline of Wakulla Springs (Leon County). The Woodville Karst Plain around the springs lets liquid reach groundwater quickly, so these areas are more vulnerable to pollution (FNAI). The Cody Scarp is the main recharge area (Wikipedia).
How to check your address, step by step
- Find your parcel. Use your county property appraiser map for the parcel number and lot size.
- Check the basin. Look at the state's springs basin map for Wakulla Springs and the Upper Wakulla River.
- Check sewer. Ask the utility or county if sewer is available at your lot.
- Look at the table. Read the current FDEP requirement table for your basin (FDEP tables).
- Call a pro. We will confirm which system type fits and what the permit needs.
Leon County incentives
Leon County won $2.22 million in state grant funding and offered up to $7,500 per eligible home in the priority focus area. The program reimbursed registered-installer costs and permit fees for upgrading to nitrogen-reducing systems (county packet).
Check the county for what is open now. Money is limited.
Leon County sewer projects
The county says it has converted or upgraded more than the 500 septic tanks it aimed for, reaching 610 (Leon County). See septic abandonment and sewer connection.
Pages for springs-area locations
Go back to Tallahassee Septic Installation or see all locations.
Springs rule questions
Is my Tallahassee lot in the Wakulla Springs zone?
Most of Leon County south of Capital Circle is in the protection zone (WCTV). Use the state's map for your exact parcel.
Does a one-acre lot matter?
Yes. Springs-basin rules for new systems apply to lots of one acre or less when sewer is not available (FDEP).
What if I only need a repair?
In Wakulla County's priority focus area, a repair or change has to upgrade to nitrogen-reducing, starting May 1, 2024 (Wakulla County).
Is there a deadline for existing systems?
Systems covered by a basin-specific policy must upgrade no later than 20 years after the basin plan was adopted (FDEP).
Where do I find the current table?
FDEP posts requirement tables for each springs basin (FDEP tables). Rules change, so check the latest version.
Not sure which side of the line you are on?
Send your address and we will check it with you.