Quick answer: In Florida, once your utility sends written notice that sewer is available on your street, you generally have 365 days to connect, or 90 days if the health department finds your septic system is failing (Florida Statutes 381.00655). After the connection, the old septic tank must be abandoned within 90 days under a permit. If city water is also coming, the house is moved off the private well, and the well is either plugged by a licensed well contractor or kept for irrigation only. BSP1 Plumbing (CFC1432849) handles these conversions in St. Cloud and Orlando. See our septic-to-sewer and well-to-city-water service.
Why so many St. Cloud and Orlando homes are getting the letter
Large parts of Central Florida were built on septic tanks and private wells. As cities and counties extend sewer and water mains, often to protect springs, lakes and groundwater, the homes along the new lines receive a notice that service is available. Orange County, for example, runs a Septic 2 Sewer program, and other Central Florida utilities run their own extension projects. The letter usually explains the deadline, the connection fees and where the utility placed the connection point at your property line.
Your deadlines, in plain English
- 365 days to connect to sewer after the written notice of availability, if your septic system is working.
- 90 days if the health department notifies you that the system is failing or needs repair. One extension of up to 90 days may be granted for hardship.
- 90 days after the connection to abandon the old septic tank (Florida Administrative Code 62-6.011).
Permits, scheduling and inspections take time, so do not wait until the last month. Your utility letter is the document that controls your specific dates.
What the homeowner is usually responsible for
The utility builds the main in the street and a sewer stub-out or water meter at the property line. Everything from that point to the house is normally the owner’s side:
- The sewer lateral: the pipe from the house drain to the utility stub-out, installed at the correct slope, with a cleanout.
- The water service line: the pipe from the meter to the house, with a main shut-off valve.
- Disconnecting the house from the septic tank and from the well pump and pressure tank.
- The septic tank abandonment and what happens to the well.
- The utility connection or impact fees. Ask your utility about payment plans or grant programs.
Step by step: how a septic-to-sewer conversion works
- Read the notice. Note the deadline and whether you are getting sewer, water or both.
- Get a site visit and a written quote. A plumber locates the tank, the well and where the house plumbing exits, then plans the route for the new lines around the driveway, trees and irrigation.
- Permits. The plumbing contractor pulls the permit with the city or county building department. The septic abandonment needs its own permit unless your utility runs the abandonment program.
- Trench and install. The new lateral is connected to the stub-out and the water line to the meter. Lines are inspected before the trench is closed.
- Switch-over. The house drains go to the sewer, and the house water comes from the city meter.
- Abandon the septic tank. It is pumped by a permitted septage hauler, the tank is opened or collapsed so it cannot hold water, filled with clean sand, covered and inspected.
- Close out the well. See the next section.
What happens to your private well?
You have two options. If you no longer need it, the well should be plugged by a licensed water well contractor under a permit from the water management district, so it cannot become a path for contamination. Many homeowners instead keep the well for irrigation only. In that case it must be completely separated from the house plumbing: no pipe can connect the well to the city water system. Your utility may also require a backflow preventer on the service. BSP1 installs and certifies backflow assemblies.
What affects the cost
Every property is different. The main factors are:
- The distance from the house to the stub-out and the meter.
- Whether the trench crosses a driveway, sidewalk, trees or irrigation.
- Whether the house drain exits on the side facing the street or the back.
- Whether you need sewer only, water only or both.
- The septic abandonment and well closeout.
- Permit and utility fees.
Get a written, itemized quote that includes permits and restoration of the yard. BSP1 offers financing through Wisetack for the private-side work.
Why homeowners in St. Cloud and Orlando call BSP1 Plumbing
We handle the whole conversion: sewer lateral, water service line, permits, inspections, septic abandonment and the well closeout. We are licensed (CFC1432849), use our own crews, offer same-day service and 24/7 emergency response, and give you a written warranty. Call (321) 732-5615 or schedule online and send us a photo of your utility letter. ★★★★★ Hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to connect to sewer in Florida?
Generally 365 days after the sewer provider’s written notice that sewer is available, or 90 days if the health department notifies you that your septic system is failing (Florida Statutes 381.00655).
Do I have to abandon my septic tank after connecting to sewer?
Yes. Florida rules require the system to be abandoned within 90 days after it stops being used: permit, pumping by a permitted septage hauler, opening or collapsing the tank, filling it with clean sand and an inspection.
Can I keep my well for irrigation after connecting to city water?
Usually yes, as long as it is completely disconnected from the house plumbing. Your utility may require a backflow preventer. Otherwise, the well should be plugged by a licensed water well contractor.
Who pays to connect a house to city sewer?
The utility usually pays for the main in the street and the connection point at the property line. The homeowner typically pays for the private line to the house, the septic abandonment and the utility connection fees. Ask your utility about payment plans and grants.
Do I need a permit to connect to sewer?
Yes. A licensed plumbing contractor pulls the plumbing permit, and the septic abandonment needs its own permit unless your utility runs the abandonment program.
