An intensive lobbying campaign may have held up full repeal of the septic tank inspection law , but the Department of Health is prohibited from implementing the unpopular mandate.

During the November, 2010, organizational session of the Legislature, Sen. Don Gaetz passed legislation that halted the mandate until full repeal could be considered during the regular session. During the session that just ended, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Marti Coley’s repeal bill, but Senator Greg Evers was unable to get a similar measure adopted by the Senate.

In order to stop the mandate from taking effect on July 1, Sen. Gaetz placed a provision in the budget bill continuing the moratorium. Before the Department of Health can move forward, it must receive approval from the Legislative Budget Commission on which Gaetz serves.

Gaetz believes this will forestall the mandate for another year until Sen. Evers can secure sufficient votes for Senate passage of a full repeal.

“In my view, the septic tank mandate is an unnecessary policy,” Gaetz said. “It wrongly assumes that rural North Florida ought to be treated the same as heavily populated urban South Florida. I wish Senator Evers had been able to pass his bill, but in the absence of full repeal, I am pleased that President Haridopolos and the full Senate agreed to continue the moratorium.”

Gaetz praised Rep. Coley and the House of Representatives for their action and commended Sen. Evers for his efforts.

“No property owner in Florida need fear a swarm of bureaucrats and tank-testers invading their property,” Gaetz said. “The moratorium remains in effect.”