Plan the septic before the house
Marion County is one of the fastest-growing parts of Central Florida, and many new homes on the edge of Ocala, in Marion Oaks and across the rural north end are built on septic. If you're buying land or building, the septic plan should come before the house plan, since soil and water table decide what's possible.
Steps to a new system
- Site evaluation. A soil test and water table check. You can have DEP do it or hire a qualified private site evaluator.
- System design. Tank size depends on the number of bedrooms. Field type depends on the soil results.
- Springs check. If the lot is in a springs protection area, the system will likely need to be nitrogen-reducing. See our springs and permits guide.
- Permit. Filed with the Florida DEP, which has permitted septic systems in Marion County since July 1, 2025.
- Installation and inspection. DEP inspects before the system is covered.
What it costs
A new conventional system in Florida often runs $8,000 to $25,000. Raised or advanced systems for difficult soil can cost much more, and nitrogen-reducing systems add to that.
Buying vacant land? Get a site evaluation before you close. It costs little compared with discovering a lot needs an expensive system, or won't support one at all.
Related: septic inspections · septic prices · septic service in Marion Oaks
How it works
- Call or request a quoteTell us what's going on and where you are.
- Get a price up frontAsk the septic company for a price before any work starts.
- Get it doneSchedule the pump-out, inspection or repair with a local company.
Why call us
- One callSkip calling around. Tell us what you need and we'll point you to a local company.
- Local companiesSeptic companies that work in Marion County.
- Free to useThere's no charge to you for the referral.
- Pump now, save laterRegular pumping costs a fraction of a new drain field.
Don't wait for a backup. Get your tank pumped.
Call now(352) 322-4689Common questions
How long does septic permitting take?
It varies with DEP workload and whether the design needs revisions. Ask your contractor for a current estimate when you start.
Does every new septic system near Ocala need nitrogen reduction?
No. It depends on whether the lot is in the Silver Springs or Rainbow Springs protection areas. DEP's priority focus area map shows where.
How much does a new septic system cost in Marion County?
A new conventional system in Florida often runs $8,000 to $25,000. Raised systems and nitrogen-reducing systems cost more.
Request septic service
Send your details and we'll call you back. Sewage backing up? Call (352) 322-4689 now.