Santa Rosa commissioners decline to adopt mandatory sewer-hookup ordinance after hours of public comment

The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 9 heard more than two hours of public testimony on a proposed local ordinance that would mirror Florida Statute 381.00655 and make the county eligible for some state and federal septic‑to‑sewer grants. The board ultimately voted down a motion to adopt the ordinance as drafted.

The proposal would have put the statutory requirement — that property owners hook up to central sewage when it becomes available — into county code to improve competitiveness for grant funding from the state and programs that help homeowners convert from septic to sewer. Commissioner Bobby Burkett, who introduced the topic, framed the measure as a way to help residents avoid large out‑of‑pocket costs if they are required to connect later: "What we're trying to do is protect your pocketbooks for when that does happen," he said during the hearing.

The meeting drew a packed audience. Dozens of…