If your property is in a BMAP Priority Focus Area and you need to install or upgrade to a nitrogen-reducing septic system, you may qualify for up to $7,000 in reimbursement from the state of Florida. Here's everything you need to know about the program.
How the Grant Works
The program reimburses homeowners for a portion of the cost of installing a qualifying nitrogen-reducing septic system. It's funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and administered through Citrus County.
Key details: the maximum reimbursement is $7,000 per property, the program runs through March 31, 2027 (or until funding is exhausted), and the total funding pool is $3.9 million for Citrus County.
This is a reimbursement — not an upfront payment. You pay for the installation, then apply for reimbursement after the work is complete and inspected.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible, your property must meet all of the following:
- Located in a designated Priority Focus Area (PFA). These are areas near Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa, and Chassahowitzka Springs where nitrogen reduction is a regulatory priority.
- Installing a nitrogen-reducing system. The system must meet the 65% nitrogen-reduction standard. Both ATU and INRB systems qualify. Compare system types here.
- Work performed by a qualified contractor. The installation must be done by a contractor registered with the Florida DEP or a licensed plumber. When you call us, we can confirm this is covered — it's a requirement we're set up to handle.
- Permitted through the Florida Department of Health. The installation must go through the standard permitting process and pass final inspection.
What the Grant Covers
The reimbursement applies to the cost of the nitrogen-reducing system components and installation. This typically includes the ATU or INRB unit itself, the pump and control systems, installation labor, and associated site work directly related to the nitrogen-reducing upgrade.
Standard septic system components that would be required regardless — like the tank and drain field — are generally not covered by the grant. The reimbursement specifically targets the additional cost of meeting the nitrogen-reduction requirement.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm your property is in a PFA. Contact the Citrus County DOH Environmental Health office or ask during a site evaluation. We can also check your property status.
Step 2: Get your system designed and permitted. We handle the system design, site evaluation, and permitting. The design is based on your soil test results, lot size, and which nitrogen-reducing technology fits your property.
Step 3: Complete the installation. The system must be installed, inspected, and approved by the Florida DOH.
Step 4: Submit your reimbursement application. After the installation passes inspection, submit the required documentation to Citrus County for reimbursement processing. Documentation typically includes the permit, final inspection approval, paid invoices, and proof of system type.
Step 5: Receive reimbursement. Processing times vary, but plan for several weeks to a few months after submission.
Important Deadlines
What If I'm Not in a PFA?
The grant program is only available to properties within designated Priority Focus Areas. If your property is outside a PFA, you can still choose to install a nitrogen-reducing system voluntarily — but the reimbursement won't apply.
Not sure if you're in a PFA? Read our BMAP guide or call us and we can check your property.
Planning Ahead
If your system is currently working but aging, and you know you're in a PFA, it's worth understanding your options now. When the time comes for replacement, you'll be prepared to move through the permitting and grant process efficiently — rather than scrambling during an emergency when your system has already failed.
We can evaluate your current system, explain your nitrogen-reducing options, and help you plan for the eventual upgrade so you're positioned to take full advantage of the grant when the time comes.