Aerobic System Service in Florida
An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) adds air to treat wastewater before it reaches the drain field. In Florida, an ATU needs an operating permit renewed every two years and a service contract with a maintenance entity that inspects it at least twice a year, unless the owner of an owner-occupied single-family home is permitted to maintain it after manufacturer-certified training.
When do you need aerobic system service?
- The ATU alarm is on
- The air pump is noisy or silent
- Odors near the unit
- The service contract or operating permit is due for renewal
What does aerobic system service include?
- Scheduled maintenance visits
- Checking the aerator, alarms and controls
- Chlorine or disinfection, where used
- Repairs and parts (often extra)
How much does aerobic system service cost?
$175–$600: aerobic system (ATU) maintenance contract, per year. Published cost ranges; your quote depends on the size of the job, access and the system's condition.
What drives the price
- A maintenance contract costs about $175–$600 per year.
- Replacing an aerator or air pump costs about $300–$900.
- The county operating permit is separate: Florida's state base fee is $100 every two years, and counties add their own (Seminole charges $150).
Sources: InspectApedia. Figures last checked November 2026. Full breakdown in the Florida septic cost guide.
Learn more: Conventional vs. aerobic septic systems in Florida
How the job usually works
- A maintenance visit checks the aerator, alarms, controls and treatment stages.
- Chlorine or disinfectant is topped up where the system uses it.
- Problems are reported and repaired, often for an extra charge.
- The maintenance entity keeps the records the operating permit requires.
Florida rules and practical points
- An ATU needs an operating permit, valid for two years.
- The owner must keep a service agreement with a maintenance entity that inspects the unit at least twice a year (an owner-occupied single-family homeowner can instead be permitted to do the maintenance after manufacturer-certified training).
Sources and detail: Florida septic regulations.
Questions to ask septic companies about aerobic system service
- How many visits a year does the contract include?
- What repairs and parts are covered?
- Are you a permitted ATU maintenance entity?
- Will you remind me when the operating permit is due?
More on reading quotes side by side: how to compare septic quotes.
Aerobic System Service companies by city
16 listings in this directory offer aerobic system service somewhere in Florida. The table shows how many serve each city we cover, including companies that work statewide. Orlando has the most (9), and Winter Park the fewest (5).
Wondering about price? See the Florida septic cost guide.
Aerobic System Service: common questions
Does an aerobic septic system need a maintenance contract in Florida?
Yes. Florida law requires an ATU owner to keep a service agreement with a maintenance entity, which must inspect the unit at least twice a year. The one exception: the owner of an owner-occupied single-family home can be permitted to maintain the unit personally after training certified by the manufacturer.
Does an aerobic system need a permit to operate?
Yes. In Florida an ATU needs an operating permit, which is valid for two years and must then be renewed.
How often should an aerobic system be inspected?
Florida requires maintenance inspections at least twice a year. The EPA generally recommends yearly inspections for alternative systems with mechanical parts.