What is the Septic-to-Sewer Financial Assistance Program?The program provides grants and affordable financing options such as 0% interest and low-interest loans for residential homeowners for their homesteaded properties that abut existing sanitary sewer infrastructure so they can transition from their septic tank systems and connect to the County’s centralized sanitary sewer system.
How do I know if I am eligible?Eligible homeowners must have a Homestead Exemption, be current on property taxes, have no outstanding debt to the County, and meet income criteria for specific loan and grant options. Funds are dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis. Investment properties, multi-family units, and properties without a Homestead Exemption are ineligible. Sewer line abutting An email will be sent to you with your eligibility for the program and the subsequent steps to complete the process.
How do I apply?Homeowners can apply in person at full-service or cashier only WASD Customer Service locations or through an online application. Supporting documentation, such as a property deed and septic system permit, must be provided.
How long will it take me to know if I qualify after I apply?The review process and final decision typically take up to 30 days.
What are the repayment terms for loans?Loans can be up to $15,000 with a repayment period of up to seven years. If the property is sold or transferred before the loan is fully repaid, the remaining balance of the loan is due at the time of sale. If the property ceases to qualify for the Homestead Exemption after five years from the date the loan was awarded, the owner may continue to make regular payments toward the loan.
What are the compliance requirements for the program?The compliance requirements for the Septic-to-Sewer Financial Assistance Program vary depending on the specific program and location.
Compliance and Post-Completion TrackingCustomers are continuously monitored to ensure they comply with their grant or loan agreement terms. This includes verifying the maintenance of the homestead exemption and adherence to the repayment schedules of the low-interest and zero-interest loans.
Compliance with Permitting, Building and Plumbing CodesResidential homeowners in Miami-Dade County who currently have septic tanks and are planning to connect to an existing sewer lateral must be ready to secure the following required residential permits and documents:
- Pump-out and Abandon Permit from the State Department of Health
- Allocation letter from the Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER)
- Plumbing permit from Miami-Dade County’s Building Department or applicable municipality
- Approval from Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD).
The connection of a single-family residential property to the sewer collection system shall be installed in accordance with all applicable building and plumbing municipal, County, and State of Florida Building codes.
Can I hire a plumber to perform the work once I receive the funding?Only County-approved, licensed plumbers can perform this work. Please see our list of pre-approved plumbers. Checks issued for the grant/loan amount will be made payable to the homeowner and plumber jointly to ensure that the plumber is involved in the conversion process.
What happens if I sell my house after receiving the loan or grant?If the property is sold after receiving financial assistance through the program, certain conditions apply. Any remaining balance of the loan principal or grant amount must be repaid to Miami-
Who do I contact for additional information?For more information or assistance, please call 786-268-5111 or email us at
[email protected].
Will the conversion disrupt my septic availability?An exception may apply; however, the septic-to-sewer conversion process should not impact your water and sewer service. The plumbing will not be affected in the initial assessment, planning, and designing stages. There might be short interruptions during the excavation, installation, and testing of the new sewer line. You will be informed in advance so that you can prepare accordingly.
I receive my water from a private well. If I convert my septic to sewer, will I be required to convert my well to municipal water?No, you are not required to convert your well if you convert your septic system.
Does the Financial Assistance Program cover all the different types of costs related to the conversion?Eligible costs under the program include on-site and off-site construction costs (including like-for-like landscape replacement), main extension construction costs, engineering/design fees, application fees, service fees, connection fees, inspection fees, and plan review fees. These are the costs for the design, permitting, and construction of the plumbing connection, as well as the proper abandonment of the septic system.
Ineligible costs include upgraded landscaping and removal of the septic tank.
How much will it cost me to connect to Miami-Dade County’s sewer infrastructure?The septic-to-sewer conversion would cost a homeowner approximately $15,000. However, the Septic-to-Sewer Financial Assistance Program will assist in the costs associated with the conversion.
How much will my water and sewer bill be after my property is connected to Miami-Dade County’s sewer infrastructure?The water and sewer bill will vary based on your water usage during a billing period.
