Septic Tank Replacement in Citrus County, FL

A full septic tank replacement in Citrus County typically involves replacing the tank (usually 1,000–1,500 gallons for residential use), the distribution box, and the drain field — systems that have deteriorated to requiring a new tank have almost always put stress on the drain field in the process. Permits are handled by the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (352-513-6100), which is in the process of transitioning to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as part of a statewide program transfer. Before submitting a permit application, confirm the current authority — your licensed contractor will know which agency is processing applications at the time of your project.

Soil type determines the available system options. Properties on the well-drained Astatula and Candler sandy soils that cover the central ridge — Beverly Hills, Citrus Springs, Pine Ridge, Citrus Hills, Hernando uplands, Lecanto ridge, and much of the Inverness area — can typically use a standard conventional gravity drain field if they are outside a BMAP Priority Focus Area. These soils have seasonal high water tables deep enough to provide adequate separation distance for standard drain field installation. The caveat is that fast percolation also means nutrients move quickly through the soil to the Floridan Aquifer below — which is why these communities are included in the BMAP requirement when in a PFA.

In lower-lying areas — the coastal margins near Crystal River and Homosassa, flatwoods inland areas, and depressional zones throughout the county — Myakka and Leon series soils dominate. These soils have a shallow spodic horizon and a seasonal high water table that can rise to within 6–18 inches of the surface during and after wet season. A conventional gravity drain field on Myakka soils in a low-lying location is rarely the right engineering answer. Mound systems, which elevate the drain field above grade using clean sandy fill material, are the standard alternative and cost $8,000–$18,000 depending on site conditions and the amount of fill required.

For properties inside a BMAP Priority Focus Area — Crystal River, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and the central ridge communities including Citrus Hills, Pine Ridge, Beverly Hills, and Citrus Springs — any repair or replacement submitted on or after December 15, 2025 must use a nitrogen-reducing ENR system regardless of lot size. The two most common options are the passive In-Ground Nitrogen-Reducing Biofilter (INRB), which installs beneath the drain field media without any electrical or mechanical components, and the NSF 245-certified Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). The INRB typically runs $3,000–$6,000 installed and requires no maintenance contract — the Citrus County $7,000 incentive program may fully cover its cost. The ATU ($8,000–$15,000) is more complex and requires a semi-annual maintenance contract with a licensed provider. Apply for the incentive program before work begins at citrusbocc.smapply.io.