FLORIDA ONSITE WASTEWATER ASSOCIATION

Florida Onsite

NEW Technical Assistance Program

FOWA, in partnership with NOWRA and with support from the USDA Rural Development, are delivering free, hands-on technical assistance to small rural communities working through onsite and decentralized wastewater challenges. Over the next year, a Technical Assistance Professional based with FOWA will work directly with communities across Florida — onsite, in person, and at no cost to the community. (See flyer below for more details:)

Please reach out to Roxanne by November 13th if you would like an invitation to the virtual meeting taking place November 20th regarding this program!

RECENT UPDATES

Northern Indian River Lagoon BMAP Update

David Frady, FL DEP OSP Program Management Director, issued the following statement this week regarding the issuance of OSTDS permits in the Northern Indian River Lagoon region:

“Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit vacated the injunction prohibiting the issuance of permits for new onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) within the Northern Indian River Lagoon (NIRL) Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) area and remanded the matter to the lower court. The next step is for the appellate court to issue its mandate, which will formally implement the court’s decision.

Until the Department receives the mandate, permits for new OSTDS within the NIRL BMAP area may not be issued. County health departments should continue to process applications as appropriate but must not issue permits for new systems or conventional permits for repairs/modifications within the NIRL BMAP until further notice from the Department.

Once the mandate is received, the Department will notify affected county health departments and provide additional guidance regarding permitting. Until the mandate is issued, please continue to hold permits for new systems within the NIRL BMAP area and direct questions regarding the status of the litigation or permitting requirements to the Department.”

The DEP Onsite Sewage Program has announced that 62-6 Florida Administrative Code is being updated, and the new rule will be effective on June 8, 2026.

Please take the time to review this document regarding an update on the Silver Springs and Upper Silver River and the Rainbow Springs Group and Rainbow River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). New requirements are to be implemented as of July 27, 2026.

View information on all or any specific BMAP on the DEP website.

13 BMAPs are being challenged on new requirements that started July 1, 2025

Information will be posted as we receive it. Members will also

receive updates directly to their email on file.

Want a history on how this all got started? Read an article.

View information on all or any specific BMAP on the DEP website.

Want to get regular updates from the DEP directly? Subscribe to DEP
BMAP Notifications

The following requirements should be consistently implemented in accordance with the below listed BMAPs, as of Monday December 15, 2025.

Crystal River/Kings Bay – Existing systems are required to be nitrogen-reducing on all lot sizes in the Priority Focus Area.
Homosassa and Chassahowitzka Springs Groups – Existing systems are required to be nitrogen-reducing on all lot sizes in the Priority Focus Area.
Weeki Wachee – Existing systems are required to be nitrogen-reducing on all lot sizes in the Priority Focus Area.

(Archived updates)

what are we up to now?

We are wrapping up the 2025-2026 licensing period. If you still need courses, please complete an online class by September 30th.

Roxanne continues to participate in committee meetings across industries to represent and fight for the onsite industry. Donate to support our efforts!

If you need to contact us please use email.

Enjoy our clean and spacious learning facility

What do we do?

FOWA is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is education. We provide knowledge about wastewater technologies and maintenance standards in order to ensure a safe and beautiful Florida for future generations.

Course offerings

We cover a variety of topics and add 4 new classes every year.

Do you have a suggestion for a new class? Let us know.

In-Person Classes

We travel throughout the state of Florida offering in-person classes closer to you. Check out upcoming classes here.

Online Classes

These are pre-recorded 6 hour classes, broken down into bite sized sessions that you can complete at your leisure. Four topics to choose from. Start one now! Sign up here.

Certification / ACT Classes

These classes have limited attendance with priority seating given to those seeking CEHP licenses, Master licenses, and those seeking certification for the private provider inspection program. Find more info here.

Convention & Trade Show

Our 2026 Convention & Trade Show will offer up to 18 hours over three days (August 6-8, 2026) at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. Interested in exhibiting? Contact Sherrill.

ATU Maintenance Entity Training

Homeowners! Learn to become a maintenance entity for your own ATU system.

Contractors! Become a maintenance entity for certain systems used in Florida.

*Systems eligible for training are limited. The classes do not count for CEU credit.

course Rates & Membership

These rates are valid for the duration of the 2025-2026 licensing period (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026)

$175
MEMBER PRICE

for most 6-hour courses

$325
NON-MEMBER

for MOST 6-hour courses

MEMBERSHIP

valid Oct 1, 2025 - Sep 30, 2026

* these course prices do not apply for ATU maintenance training.

our team

It takes a village, as the saying goes… or maybe it just takes 4. Our quartet of excellence carries this company forward, while keeping you abreast of the most urgent issues in our industry and leading the way with top notch education. When you’re at your best, we will succeed together.

ROXANNE GROOVER

Executive Director
Contact to discuss:
Specific Regulations / County Problems

BRIT GROOVER

All Things in Between
Contact to discuss:
ACT Courses / ATU Maintenance Programs /
Online Courses and more

SHERRILL PARR

Financial Director
Contact to discuss:
Exhibitor Information

LACEY

The New Kid!
Now answering phones:
407-632-6291
Basic Courses / Membership

fowa training center

5115 State Road 557
Lake Alfred FL 33850
Phone: 407-632-6291