Septic vs. Sewer: What Every Florida Homeowner Needs to Know

About 2.6 million homes in Florida use septic systems — that's roughly one in four. If you're moving to the state or buying your first home with a septic system, here's everything you need to know about how it compares to a sewer connection.

The Basic Difference

Sewer: Your wastewater flows through municipal pipes to a central treatment plant. You pay a monthly sewer bill (typically $30-$80/month in Florida). The city handles maintenance of the main lines.

Septic: Your wastewater goes into an underground tank on your property. Bacteria break down the solids. Liquid flows out to a drain field where soil filters it naturally. You own the system and are responsible for all maintenance.

Cost Comparison

On paper, septic is cheaper month-to-month. For a detailed price breakdown, see our Florida septic pumping cost guide. But the financial risk is asymmetric — when a septic system fails, you're looking at five figures. Sewer connections spread that risk across the community through your monthly bill.

Why Florida Has So Many Septic Systems

Florida's rapid suburban and rural growth outpaced municipal sewer infrastructure. Many developments built from the 1960s through 1990s installed septic systems because running sewer lines to new subdivisions was too expensive. Add in Florida's massive rural areas — ranches, farms, lakefront properties — and you get millions of septic systems.

Some counties are now mandating sewer hookups for new construction and offering programs to convert older septic systems. This is driven by environmental concerns — aging septic systems are a major source of nitrogen pollution in Florida's springs, rivers, and coastal waterways. Learn more about Florida septic tank regulations that may affect your property.

What to Check Before Buying a Home With Septic

• Get a septic inspection — This is separate from the home inspection. Cost: $150-$300. Non-negotiable. A failed system can cost $15,000+ to replace.
• Ask for pumping records — Regular pumping history means the system was maintained. No records? Red flag.
• Check the permit — Florida requires a permit for septic installation. Verify the system was installed legally and meets current code.
• Know the system age — Septic tanks last 20-40 years. Drain fields last 15-25 years. If the system is older than 25 years, budget for potential replacement.
• Check for mandatory sewer hookup — Some areas require you to connect to sewer when it becomes available. The hookup can cost $5,000-$15,000.
• Test the well water — If the home has a well (common with septic), test for nitrates and coliform bacteria.

Living With a Septic System: The Rules

Septic systems are simple but unforgiving. Follow these rules and you'll have zero problems:

• Do pump every 3-5 years (based on household size)
• Do spread laundry loads across the week (avoid 8 loads on Saturday)
• Do use septic-safe toilet paper
• Do fix leaky faucets and running toilets promptly
• Don't flush anything except waste and toilet paper
• Don't pour cooking grease down the drain
• Don't use excessive bleach or antibacterial cleaners (they kill the good bacteria)
• Don't park vehicles or build structures over the drain field
• Don't plant trees near the tank or drain field (roots will invade)

The Bottom Line

A septic system isn't something to fear — it's something to respect. With proper maintenance (pumping every 3-5 years, annual awareness, and basic common sense), a septic system will serve you for decades at a lower cost than sewer. Neglect it, and you're writing a five-figure check. The choice is straightforward.