City Septic to Sewer Program (STS)

City of Gulf Breeze
Septic-to-Sewer (STS) Program
The City of Gulf Breeze’s Septic-to-Sewer (STS) Program is an 8-year, grant-funded initiative approved by City Council to eliminate septic systems citywide while minimizing cost impacts to homeowners. The program is implemented in phases based on engineering priority, funding availability, and construction sequencing.
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Current Program Status (as of December 2025)
Activated STS Areas (Sign-Ups Completed or Underway):
• Highpoint
• Florida & Montrose
• Fairpoint
• BayCliffs
Upcoming STS Areas (Not Yet Activated):
• Hoffman Bayou (anticipated activation in 2026)
• Shoreline Phase I & II (anticipated activation in 2026)
• Eufaula (design phase – (anticipated activation in 2026)
• Additional areas to follow based on funding and Council approval
Important: Only areas that have been formally activated by the City are eligible for homeowner sign-ups. Planning, design, or engineering activity does not mean an area has been activated.
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What Does “Activated” Mean?
An STS area is considered activated only after all of the following occur:
• City Council approves funding for that specific area
• The City begins official outreach to homeowners (mailings, meetings, notices)
• A defined sign-up window for grant participation is opened
Until an area is activated:
• Homeowners are not required to make a decision
• Homeowners are not eligible to enroll in the grant program
• No official mandate to connect is issued by the City
Homeowners will be contacted directly by the City when their area is activated.
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Why Participation Windows Are Limited
STS grant funding is tied to construction schedules and competitive bidding. To ensure the City can complete all planned areas within budget, each area has a defined participation window. Once that window closes, grant funds are no longer available for that area.
State law may still require connection to central sewer once service becomes available, even if grant funding is no longer available.
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State Regulation of Septic Systems
Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) are permitted and regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). As of January 2025, FDEP has assumed direct permitting authority in Santa Rosa County. Once central sewer service is available, FDEP does not allow septic system replacements or improvements.
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Program timelines and activation dates are subject to funding availability and City Council approval.
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Quick Overview: How the STS Program Works
• The City is converting neighborhoods to sewer in phases, not all at once
• Each neighborhood is given a limited sign-up window when grant funding is available
• Only activated areas can sign up
• Design or planning work does not mean you must take action yet
• The City will notify homeowners directly when it’s time
If your area is listed as “upcoming,” no action is required at this time.