Septic engineering is essential in Florida for safe, compliant wastewater management. From site evaluations and septic site plans to advanced treatment systems like Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) and Performance-Based Treatment Systems (PBTS), proper design ensures environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Contractors, homeowners, and property managers all benefit from understanding system layouts, cross-section drainage plans, and construction specifications to prevent failures and costly mistakes.

Working with a licensed Florida engineer is key to navigating the state’s unique soil conditions, high water tables, and regulatory requirements. Certified PBTS and ATU systems, thorough site and soil evaluations, and private provider inspections help ensure your septic system functions efficiently and meets all legal standards. Whether installing a new system, upgrading an existing one, or scheduling inspections, informed decisions now can save time, money, and potential headaches in the long run. Click here to read more.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) introduces major federal tax changes affecting construction and contracting businesses. Key updates include permanent 100% bonus depreciation, an increased Section 179 expensing limit of $2.5M, full expensing for certain U.S. production property, and the permanent 20% pass-through business deduction. Other important changes include expanded interest deductions, a temporary rise in the SALT cap, restored R&D expense deductions, and new rules allowing income deferral for larger residential projects.

Many of these provisions are front-loaded through 2028, including a temporary overtime deduction and enhanced deductions for tips, auto loan interest, and estate planning. Contractors and business owners should review these changes with their tax professional to take full advantage before key benefits phase out and ensure their business captures all available tax savings. Click here to read more.

Septic inspections are a vital part of any project involving onsite wastewater treatment systems, whether installing new or replacing old ones. The process typically involves three key phases: an initial inspection to assess soil conditions, site layout, and code compliance; a mid-project inspection to check tank placement, drain-field installation, and materials; and a final inspection before backfilling, which includes leak testing, flow checks, and grading verification. Understanding these steps helps contractors catch issues early, avoid costly rework, and maintain compliance with local regulations. Common red flags that cause inspection failures include improper slope, incorrect setback distances, compacted soil, damaged tanks, and missing components—issues that can be prevented with careful preparation and use of checklists.

Beyond technical requirements, successful inspections depend on clear communication and smart scheduling. Using digital project management tools, holding pre-inspection meetings, documenting progress, and assigning a point of contact streamline coordination between contractors, inspectors, and authorities. Planning inspections around project milestones, booking in advance, and coordinating with subcontractors prevent costly bottlenecks. By combining strong planning with proactive communication, contractors can ensure smooth inspections, minimize delays, and keep projects on track. For additional support, firms like Florida Engineering LLC provide expert guidance in septic system design, permitting, and inspection compliance. Click here to read more.

In construction, insurance is a vital tool for managing risks, but not all policies function the same way. Occurrence-based policies cover incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when a claim is filed. This makes them particularly valuable for long-tail risks where damage or injury may appear years after project completion. Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies are the most common example, protecting against bodily injury, property damage, and certain personal or advertising injuries arising from work performed during the coverage period. Contractors benefit from occurrence-based coverage because it provides lasting protection, though maintaining detailed records is essential to confirm coverage for past incidents.

On the other hand, claims-made policies only cover claims reported during the policy period (or an extended reporting period) for incidents occurring after the policy’s retroactive date. These policies are typically used for professional liability or errors and omissions (E&O) coverage for design professionals, engineers, and contractors offering design-build services. Because design flaws may surface long after a project is completed, maintaining continuous claims-made coverage is critical; lapses or carrier changes without prior acts coverage can leave significant gaps. Ultimately, contractors often need both types of coverage—occurrence-based for general liability and claims-made for professional liability—to ensure comprehensive protection against construction-related risks. Click here to read more.

Proper placement of wells and septic systems is critical for protecting Florida’s drinking water and environment. The 2025 Florida regulations outline clear minimum distances between wells, septic tanks, drainfields, and property features to ensure groundwater safety. For example, private potable wells must be at least 75 feet from septic systems, while public potable wells serving more than 2,000 gallons per day require a 200-foot separation. Septic systems must also maintain setbacks such as 5 feet from buildings and property lines and 75 feet from surface or tidal waters.

In addition to horizontal setbacks, Florida requires at least 24 inches of vertical separation from the drainfield to the water table, soil suitability evaluations, and a 50% reserve drainfield area for future needs. A valid septic permit from the county health department is required before installation, including site evaluations and post-installation inspections. Local jurisdictions may enforce stricter rules—particularly in sensitive areas such as spring protection zones or the Florida Keys. By following Chapter 62-6, F.A.C., working with licensed professionals, and consulting local ordinances, contractors and homeowners can ensure new systems are compliant, efficient, and protective of Florida’s water resources. Click here for more information.

The Florida Building Commission has released the actions and outcomes from the September 2025 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings regarding glitch proposals to the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code. These proposals reflect changes from the 2025 Legislative Session (HB 683, HB 551, HB 913, and SB 180).

The Second 45-Day Comment Period is now open and runs September 11 – October 25, 2025 (midnight deadline). Contractors, engineers, and all interested parties are encouraged to review the TAC reports and submit comments before the deadline.

 Review TAC Meeting Minutes & Reports:
Florida Building Code Development Process – TAC Reports

✉️ Submit Comments to:
Mr. Mo Madani
Email: mo.madani@myfloridalicense.com

Questions? Call 850-487-1824

The plumbing industry is undergoing a major shift from tradition-based design to evidence-driven engineering. For decades, outdated sizing models led to oversized systems, stagnant water, and unnecessary costs. Now, new research initiatives are challenging those assumptions by using real-world data to guide smarter, safer, and more efficient plumbing design. A modern sizing tool developed through extensive residential studies has already shown benefits like reduced material use, faster hot water delivery, and improved water quality. Efforts are now underway to expand this approach to commercial buildings, where usage patterns are more complex and the stakes even higher.

Supporting this transformation is a growing research ecosystem focused on public health, sustainability, and practical innovation. A dedicated fund is helping bridge gaps in water science, while the integration of a leading environmental research institute has strengthened the industry's ability to address issues like Legionella, disaster recovery, and material safety. Together, these efforts mark a turning point—moving plumbing engineering from reactive tradition to proactive, science-based solutions that better serve communities and the environment. Click here to read more.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our CSST Certification Training last Thursday, September 18th at EVEN Hotel Sarasota Lakewood Ranch!

It was a packed evening filled with valuable hands-on learning, covering everything from proper system sizing and installation practices to bonding, grounding, and code compliance. Contractors earned 2 CEU credit hours, while technicians received their OmegaFlex TracPipe® CounterStrike® Certification. ️ Plus, dinner made for a great opportunity to network and connect with peers.

We’re thrilled at the turnout and the positive feedback — events like this wouldn’t be possible without our engaged members and dedicated partners.

Florida’s structural safety laws are changing how buildings are inspected and maintained—and that has ripple effects across trades, including plumbing. Correction: Under new mandates from SB 4-D and HB 913, milestone inspections are required for all buildings 30 years old, or 25 years old for buildings within three miles of the coast—and then every 10 years after the initial inspection.

These inspections assess structural integrity and must be shared with residents and posted online, even when no issues are found. Failure to comply can lead to fines, legal liability, and buildings being declared uninhabitable.

Why it matters to plumbing contractors: Your work may be directly affected during these milestone inspections. Pipe chases, rooftop units, mechanical rooms, or wall access points may be reviewed, relocated, or disrupted during structural evaluations. In some cases, plumbing systems could also be flagged if they're contributing to deterioration or are inaccessible. Stay connected with your clients, property managers, and engineers involved in these inspections—your expertise may be needed to assist with repairs, rerouting, or documentation. Click here to read more.