Jacksonville, FL
Septic-to-sewer conversion in Jacksonville
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Jacksonville and JEA's Septic Tank Phaseout installs sewer mains in selected neighborhoods, abandons each home's septic system and connects the house, with permits and fees covered, at no cost to the owner. A neighborhood needs 70% of residents to agree, and once connected, owners pay a monthly sewer charge on their JEA bill.
What's different in Jacksonville
Phaseout projects install sewer pipes, properly abandon existing septic systems, connect homes to the new sewer and pay all associated permits and fees at no cost to the property owner. [1]
JEA says the connection is completely free, including work on private property, and connected homes then pay a monthly sewer fee with the JEA water bill (news report). [2]
For a project to move forward, 70% of residents in a neighborhood must agree to the conversion (news report). [2]
Priority neighborhoods have included Biltmore C, Beverly Hills East and West, Christobel and Riverview (news report). [2]
Why Jacksonville is phasing out septic
Many older Jacksonville neighborhoods were built on septic in sandy soil with a high water table, where failing drain fields can leak into ditches and creeks. Moving homes onto central sewer removes that risk and ends tank pumping and drain field repairs for the owner.
If your neighborhood isn't in the program
- Keep pumping on schedule and watch for slow drains and soggy ground over the field.
- A failing drain field may need replacement under Florida's septic rules.
- If sewer is available at your street, a private connection is a plumbing job; see sewer line replacement.
After you connect
The house drain now runs to a public main, so the usual sewer issues apply: roots, grease and sags. A camera inspection is the first step if backups start.
Common questions
Is Jacksonville's septic-to-sewer connection free?
In Phaseout neighborhoods, yes, including private-side work, permits and fees.
What happens to my septic tank in the Jacksonville program?
It's properly abandoned as part of the project.
How many neighbors must agree for a Jacksonville phaseout project?
70% of residents, according to news reports.
Will I pay a sewer bill after connecting in Jacksonville?
Yes, a monthly sewer fee on your JEA bill.
Which Jacksonville neighborhoods have been in the phaseout?
Reported priority areas include Biltmore C, Beverly Hills East and West, Christobel and Riverview.
Who runs the Septic Tank Phaseout?
The City of Jacksonville in partnership with JEA.
Why does Jacksonville want homes off septic?
Failing systems in sandy, high-water-table soil can leak toward waterways.
Can I connect to sewer on my own in Jacksonville?
If sewer is available at your street, a licensed plumber can make a private connection under permit.
What are signs my Jacksonville drain field is failing?
Slow drains throughout the house, gurgling, odors and soggy ground over the field.
Do I still need a plumber after the phaseout connects my home?
For any future clogs or damage on your side of the new connection, yes.
More plumbing help in Jacksonville
- Backflow Testing in JacksonvilleJEA residential backflow rules: testing at least every two years by JEA Qualified Vendors, dual checks replaced every five years, and reclaimed-water irrigation.
- Sewer Line Replacement: the full guideWhen a sewer lateral needs full replacement instead of repair, open-trench vs. trenchless replacement, permits, and what drives the cost.
- Plumbing in JacksonvilleLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Jacksonville homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Septic to sewer conversion in IndianapolisHow Citizens Energy Group's Septic Tank Elimination Program (STEP) works in Indianapolis: priority neighborhoods, low-pressure systems, homeowner costs and limits.
- Sewer line replacement in Houston: who can pull the permitReplacing a sewer line in Houston: a registered master plumber must pull the permit, how the homestead permit differs, minimum fees and inspections.
Sources (2)
- JEA, Biltmore C Septic Tank Phaseout Project · checked 2026-10-03
- News4Jax I-TEAM · checked 2026-10-03