Washington County is located in the Panhandle region of Florida. Sandy soils with some clay content in the rolling terrain of the northern Panhandle. Choctawhatchee River and Holmes Creek corridors have poorly drained alluvial soils with seasonal flooding. Understanding local permit requirements and soil conditions is essential before installing, repairing, or inspecting a septic system.
County DOH site evaluation and construction permit required before installation under FL Statute 381.0065. Soil and water table testing determines system type. Must use a DEP-registered or Master septic contractor. Permit fee approximately $450. Washington County is one of 17 Panhandle counties where DEP Northwest District may handle certain permitting functions.
Repair permit required from FL DOH-Washington Environmental Health. A DEP-licensed contractor must assess the failure and submit a repair plan compliant with DEP rule 62-6 FAC. Repair permit fee approximately $200.
Point-of-sale septic inspection is not required statewide in Florida. Voluntary inspections are available through DEP-licensed contractors. Operating permit renewals required for ATU and performance-based systems.
FL DOH-Washington Environmental Health
Contact the county environmental health department for permit applications, soil evaluation scheduling, and regulatory questions.
Sandy soils with some clay content in the rolling terrain of the northern Panhandle. Choctawhatchee River and Holmes Creek corridors have poorly drained alluvial soils with seasonal flooding. Upland areas have moderately drained sandy soils. Some areas have red clay subsoils similar to neighboring Holmes County.
Washington County is a rural Panhandle county with Chipley as the county seat. Hurricane Michael (2018) caused significant damage. Very limited public sewer infrastructure outside of Chipley means most properties rely on septic systems. The Choctawhatchee River floodplain creates seasonal flooding risks for low-lying properties. Washington County has Blue Springs, a popular recreation area along Holmes Creek.
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