Septic to Sewer & Septic Abandonment in Marion County
When central sewer reaches your street, Florida law gives you a deadline to connect, and your old septic tank has to be properly abandoned. Here’s how it works in Marion County and Ocala.
Free, no-obligation estimate from a local septic contractor.
General information, not legal advice. Deadlines and grants depend on your exact address and the project. Confirm with Marion County Utilities, the City of Ocala, or Florida DEP. Checked October 2026.
The deadline
When do you have to connect?
Under Florida Statutes s. 381.00655:
- The utility must give at least 1 year’s written notice that sewer is available.
- A working septic system must connect within 365 days of that notice.
- A system that needs repair must connect within 90 days of notice, with one possible hardship extension of up to 90 days.
- Connection charges can be paid in monthly installments over up to 2 years.
Sources: Florida Statutes s. 381.00655.
Marion County’s septic-to-sewer program
Marion County approved a septic-to-sewer ordinance in April 2022. In designated program areas of unincorporated Marion County, connection is mandatory, and grant funding covers the connection cost for owners who connect on time. The cities of Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon aren’t included.
Current work is in Silver Springs Shores. Phases I and II are under construction, Phases III and IV are waiting on final approval and funding, and Unit 16 is complete.
Questions: Marion County Utilities, 352-671-8474.
Sources: Marion County Utilities, septic-to-sewer projects; Ocala Gazette, county septic-to-sewer ordinance (2022).
The old tank
How a septic tank is abandoned
Florida’s septic rule (62-6.011) sets out the steps:
Get an abandonment permit
The owner or their contractor applies to Florida DEP. The rule’s fee schedule lists the abandonment permit, including its inspection, at $50.
Pump the tank
A permitted septage company pumps it out.
Break and fill it
The bottom is opened or broken (or the whole tank collapsed) so it can’t hold water, then it’s filled with clean sand or similar material and covered with soil.
Inspection
DEP, or the local utility or plumbing authority, inspects the abandonment.
Sources: Fla. Admin. Code r. 62-6.011 (abandonment); Fla. Admin. Code r. 62-6.030 (fees).
Costs
What switching to sewer costs
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Connecting a house to city sewer | $1,000–$15,000, avg $8,000 |
| Septic-to-sewer conversion incl. tank decommissioning | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Sewer line installation | $40–$180 per foot |
| DEP abandonment permit | $50 |
Connection costs are national HomeGuide figures (2024). Inside the City of Ocala, new sewer connections also pay an impact fee; the city’s schedule effective October 1, 2026 lists $2,951 for a 1,500–2,499 sq ft single-family home, and more or less for other sizes.
Sources: HomeGuide, cost to connect to city sewer; City of Ocala, water and sewer impact fees; Fla. Admin. Code r. 62-6.030 (fees).
Questions
Septic to sewer FAQ
Do I still need to pump my septic while I wait for sewer?
Can I keep my septic tank if sewer is available?
Should I replace a failing septic system if sewer is coming?
Need a septic contractor for your sewer switch?
Tell us your address and your sewer deadline. A local septic contractor can handle pumping and abandoning the old tank.