What Florida Law Actually Requires for ATU and PBTS Owners
If your home has an aerobic treatment unit (ATU) or a performance-based treatment system (PBTS), Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64E-6 requires you to maintain an active service contract with a licensed maintenance entity. This isn't optional — it's state law, and county health departments enforce it.
Certified Septic serves ATU and PBTS homeowners throughout Lee County and the surrounding region — including Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Sarasota counties. Requirements are consistent under state law, though each county health department administers its own operating permit program.
For Lee County specifically, ATU and PBTS operating permits are administered by the Florida Department of Health in Lee County. You can find official permit requirements, inspection status, and contact information on their onsite sewage disposal page: DOH-Lee ATU Permits & Requirements ↗
The Short Version
Florida law requires ATUs to be inspected at least twice per year (semi-annually) under an active service contract. Performance-based systems (PBTS) may have quarterly or semi-annual inspection requirements depending on system type, along with effluent sample-pulling requirements. Your contractor must file compliance reports with the county. Certified Septic handles all of this — you just schedule once and we take care of everything else.
Lee County & Surrounding Counties — ATU Permit & Compliance Requirements
In Lee County, ATU and PBTS systems are permitted and overseen by the Florida Department of Health — Lee County Environmental Health. When a new ATU is installed, the homeowner receives a construction permit and an operating permit that must remain in good standing. Requirements in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Sarasota counties are governed by the same state statute and administered by each county's local DOH office. Compliance requires:
- Active service contract — must be with a Florida-licensed maintenance entity at all times
- Semi-annual inspections (ATU) — a minimum of 2 inspections per year, with reports filed with your county health department after each visit
- Quarterly or semi-annual inspections (PBTS) — performance-based systems may require more frequent inspections and periodic effluent sampling depending on system type and permit conditions
- Effluent sampling (PBTS) — some performance-based systems require laboratory sample pulls at specified intervals to verify treatment levels
- Compliance reports — your contractor files these directly with your county health department after each inspection
- Aerator inspection — the air pump that drives the aerobic treatment process must be verified operational at each visit
- Alarm system check — ATU alarm panels must be tested to confirm they would alert you to a system problem
What Happens If You Let Your Contract Lapse
Lee County Environmental Health actively monitors ATU compliance. If your property is flagged for a lapsed contract or missing inspection reports, you may receive:
- A notice of violation from Lee County Environmental Health
- A compliance deadline — typically 30 days to cure the violation
- Fines for continued non-compliance
Home Sales Are Affected Too
During real estate transactions, buyers and their lenders increasingly request proof of ATU compliance. A lapsed contract or missing inspection history can delay or derail a closing. We can provide documentation of your service history for real estate purposes.
ATU & PBTS Brands We Are Certified to Service
Certified Septic is licensed under Florida law to service and maintain the following aerobic treatment unit and performance-based system brands throughout Lee County and surrounding Southwest Florida counties:
- Hoot Aerobic Systems
- FujiClean
- Delta Treatment Systems
- Fast (Fuji Clean USA)
- Norweco (Singulair)
- Ecoflo (Premier Tech)
- JET (Jet Inc.)
- Anua-Pura
- Clearstream
- Hydro-Action
- Orenco AdvanTex
- Aqua Safe / Aqua Aire
Set Up Your ATU Service Contract Today
We serve Lee County and surrounding counties. Call us to get set up — we handle all inspection scheduling and county compliance filings on your behalf.
Call 239-510-4040What Each ATU Service Visit Includes
At every inspection visit, our certified technicians perform a thorough assessment of your system. Here is exactly what we check and document:
Aerator / Air Pump Inspection
Verify the air pump is operating correctly and aerating the treatment chamber at proper levels. The aerator is the heart of an ATU — if it fails, treatment stops.
Control Panel & Alarm Test
Test the alarm system to confirm it would alert you to a pump failure, high water level, or aeration problem. Document panel status for the county compliance report.
Effluent Quality Check
Visually assess effluent clarity and condition. For performance-based systems, effluent sampling may be pulled per permit requirements and sent to a certified laboratory.
Component & Media Inspection
Check all internal components for wear, buildup, or failure. Some systems have filters or media that require periodic cleaning or replacement — we handle this during the service visit.
Compliance Report Filing
Submit the required inspection report to your county health department on your behalf — Lee County, Charlotte County, Collier, or others — so your record stays current without any action from you.
Frequently Asked Questions — ATU & PBTS Compliance
How do I know if my property has an ATU or PBTS vs. a conventional septic tank?
The easiest way is to look for a control panel or alarm box mounted on a post near your tank — conventional septic systems don't have these. You can also check your property's permit records through your county health department, or call us and we'll help you identify your system type at no charge.
What's the difference between an ATU and a performance-based treatment system (PBTS)?
Both are advanced treatment systems that go beyond a standard septic tank. ATUs use forced aeration to break down wastewater. PBTS is a broader category that includes ATUs and other advanced systems — the key distinction is that PBTS systems are permitted based on demonstrated effluent quality rather than design specifications alone. PBTS permits often include effluent sampling requirements to verify ongoing performance.
What if I just bought a home and don't know if there's a service contract?
This is one of the most common situations we handle. If you've recently purchased a home with an ATU or PBTS and aren't sure of the compliance status, call us at 239-510-4040. We'll look up your system, assess its current condition, and set up a new service contract so you're back in compliance quickly.
Can I switch providers if I'm unhappy with my current ATU contractor?
Yes — you can switch at any time. We handle the transition paperwork with your county health department to transfer the service contract. There is no penalty for switching and no gap in coverage when you transfer to Certified Septic.
Do you service ATUs outside Lee County?
Yes. We service ATU and PBTS systems throughout the surrounding region, including Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Sarasota counties. Requirements under Florida law are consistent, and we file compliance reports with each county's local health department on your behalf.
How much does an ATU service contract cost?
Pricing varies by system type, county, and any additional service needs specific to your system. Call us at 239-510-4040 for a specific quote for your address and system.