Property condition & permits
Davie Septic Systems: Inspections, Drain Fields and Pump-Out Records
Quick answer
Many larger Davie lots are not on town sewer and rely on a septic tank and drain field. Before closing, hire a licensed septic contractor to pump and inspect the tank, ask the seller for pump-out and repair receipts, and request the system's permit record from the county health department. A general home inspection usually does not evaluate the drain field.
Use Broward’s septic permitting authority and the system file
DOH-Broward Onsite Sewage Disposal explains DEP’s statewide regulatory responsibility and continued county-health-department permitting and inspection services. Request the address-specific OSTDS file and confirm the current custodian.
Broward’s September 2026 application instructions require site evaluation, a scaled survey and system plans for new installations. Use the approved system plan to locate the drainfield and discuss setbacks, groundwater and proposed additions with the qualified evaluator; a seller receipt alone does not establish drainfield capacity.
Is the home on septic or sewer?
- Ask the seller and check the listing
- Look at the utility bill — sewer is usually billed separately
- Ask the Town or utility provider whether sewer serves the street
- Look for a tank lid or cleanout in the yard
What a septic inspection should include
| Item | Why it matters | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Tank pump-out | Lets the inspector see the tank walls and baffles | Pump-out receipt with date |
| Tank condition | Cracks or missing baffles shorten system life | Written report and photos |
| Drain field | Most expensive part to replace | Signs of saturation, odors, lush patches |
| Location map | Protects the field from pools, sheds, driveways | As-built drawing or permit sketch |
| Permit history | Shows age, size and repairs | Health department OSTDS record |
Drain fields on Davie lots
High water tables and heavy rains can affect how a drain field performs. Ask whether the field has been repaired or replaced, and keep pools, barns, paddock traffic and new structures off it. Plans to add a bedroom or a pool may require a system review — confirm with the permitting agency before you rely on it.
Records to request
- Pump-out receipts
- Repair or replacement permits
- Any inspection reports from prior sales
- Location of tank and drain field
Related Mora Realty Davie pages
Sources
- DOH-Broward Onsite Sewage Disposal — Explains DEP’s statewide regulatory responsibility and continued county-health-department permitting and inspection services
- Broward’s September 2026 application instructions — Require site evaluation, a scaled survey and system plans for new installations