Licensed Septic Service in Central Florida
Septic System Design in Orlando, FL
Custom-designed septic systems built to last — engineered for your property, permitted for your county, and backed by 65+ years of Central Florida expertise.
65+ years serving Central Florida
Licensed local service team
Fast scheduling and clear communication
Service Overview
Septic System Design Backed by 65+ Years of Local Experience
Building a new home, adding a structure, or replacing a failing system? A properly designed septic system is the foundation of everything that comes after it. Get the design wrong and you're looking at failed inspections, repeated repairs, and a drainfield that won't last. Get it right, and your system runs quietly and reliably for decades. At Lapin Services, our licensed Master Septic Contractor team has been designing and installing septic systems across Central Florida since 1958 — and we know exactly what it takes to get it done right the first time.
We handle every step in-house: soil evaluation, system sizing, permit applications, county coordination, and final design. No subcontractors, no handoffs, no surprises. Whether you're designing a system for a new residential build, a commercial property, or a replacement installation, we'll engineer a solution that fits your land, meets all county requirements, and is built to perform for years to come. Call us at (407) 326-3367 to get started.
Problems We Solve
Common Septic System Design Problems We Fix
Here are the issues our team commonly finds and resolves during septic system design calls across Central Florida.
Undersized Systems That Fail Too Soon
A septic system that's too small for your home or business can't handle the daily wastewater load — leading to backups, odors, and drainfield failure far sooner than it should. Proper design starts with accurately calculating your usage and sizing every component to match.
Designs That Don't Account for Your Soil
Central Florida's sandy and variable soils behave very differently from one parcel to the next. A design that ignores soil percolation rates and site conditions is a design heading for problems. We perform thorough soil evaluations on every project to make sure the system fits your land — not just the blueprint.
Permit Rejections and Inspection Delays
Incomplete applications, missing documentation, and non-compliant designs are the most common reasons septic permits get rejected — stalling your build and costing you time. Our team handles permit prep and submittals with precision, and we coordinate directly with county inspectors so nothing falls through the cracks.
Wrong System Type for the Property
Not every property can support a conventional drainfield. Lots with high water tables, limited space, or specific county zoning requirements may need an alternative system — an ATU, mound system, or drip irrigation design. Using the wrong system type creates compliance issues and long-term performance problems.
Contractors Who Don't Know Local Regulations
Septic regulations in Florida vary by county, and what's allowed in Orange County may differ from Osceola, Seminole, or Polk. Working with a contractor unfamiliar with local rules leads to code violations, re-designs, and failed inspections. Lapin has been navigating Central Florida permitting for over 65 years — we know the rules inside and out.
When to Call
Signs Your Septic System Needs Professional Attention
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule septic system design before the problem becomes more disruptive or expensive.
You're Building a New Home or ADU
Any new construction on a property without municipal sewer access requires a permitted septic system design before you can break ground. Starting the design process early keeps your build schedule on track and avoids delays at the permit stage.
Your Current System Is Failing or Beyond Repair
Persistent backups, soggy drainfield areas, or a system that's simply aged out may mean it's time to replace rather than repair. A full replacement starts with a fresh design — one that's sized correctly and built to current standards.
You're Adding Square Footage or Increasing Occupancy
Adding bedrooms, building a guest house, or expanding a commercial space can exceed the capacity of your existing system. Before you build, it's worth having your current system evaluated — and designing an upgrade if needed.
Your Property Has Never Had a Septic System
Vacant land, rural parcels, and older properties sometimes lack any wastewater infrastructure. If you're planning to develop or occupy a property without a system, a permitted septic design is your first step.
You've Been Told Your Existing Design Won't Pass
If a county inspector or previous contractor flagged problems with your current system design or permit application, Lapin can step in to assess the situation, correct the design, and get you back on track with a compliant, approved plan.
Our Process
What to Expect From Your Septic System Design Visit
Lapin keeps the process straightforward from the first call through final documentation, so you know what is happening at every step.
Step 1
Site Evaluation and Soil Testing
We start with a thorough assessment of your property — lot dimensions, setback requirements, existing structures, and soil characteristics. Soil percolation testing tells us how quickly your land absorbs water, which directly determines what type of system will work and how large the drainfield needs to be.
Step 2
System Sizing and Design
Based on your site data and the number of bedrooms or projected water usage, we size every component of the system: the septic tank, distribution box, drainfield, and any required advanced treatment components. The design accounts for your county's specific regulations and any unique property constraints.
Step 3
Permit Application and County Submission
We prepare and submit your permit application to the appropriate county health department, including all required documentation, site plans, and engineering drawings. Our team manages communication with county reviewers and responds to any requests for additional information to keep the process moving.
Step 4
Permit Approval and Installation Scheduling
Once your permit is approved, we schedule installation at a time that works for your project timeline. Because Lapin handles both design and installation, there's no lag time waiting on a separate contractor — your system goes in as soon as the permit clears.
Step 5
Installation, Inspection, and Final Sign-Off
Our crew installs your system according to the approved design. We coordinate directly with county inspectors for all required inspections and walk you through final sign-off. When we're done, you'll have a fully permitted, inspected system — and all the documentation to prove it.
Why Lapin
Why Central Florida Chooses Lapin for Septic System Design
Lapin combines licensed expertise, local knowledge, and responsive service for septic work throughout Central Florida.
65+ Years of Septic Expertise
Founded in 1958, Lapin has been Central Florida's trusted septic specialist for three generations — with the knowledge to back it up.
4.9★ Rating · 1,000+ Reviews
The best-rated septic company in Florida — not by our own measure, but by your neighbors who've trusted us with their homes.
Licensed Master Septic Contractor
License SM0890812. Fully certified to handle installation, repair, maintenance, inspections, and county compliance — everything your septic system may ever need.
End-to-End Service
One company for pumping, installation, drainfield repair, ATU service, and inspections. No handoffs, no finger-pointing between subs.
Available 24/7
Septic emergencies don't wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock so you're never left waiting when it matters most.
Related Services
Related Services
FAQs
Septic System Design FAQs
How much does septic system design cost in Orlando?
Design costs vary depending on lot size, soil conditions, system type, and county requirements. Simpler residential designs on straightforward parcels will cost less than complex sites requiring alternative systems or atypical permitting. We provide transparent, upfront pricing once we’ve evaluated your property — no surprises. Call (407) 326-3367 to schedule a consultation and get an accurate quote for your specific project.
How long does septic system design and permitting take in Florida?
The timeline depends on your county’s permit review schedule and the complexity of your project. In most Central Florida counties, a standard residential permit takes two to six weeks from submission to approval. We prepare thorough, complete applications to minimize back-and-forth with reviewers and keep the process moving as quickly as possible.
Do I need a licensed contractor to design my septic system?
Yes. In Florida, septic system design and installation must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed septic contractor. Lapin Services holds Master Septic Contractor license SM0890812, which authorizes us to handle the full scope of design, permitting, installation, and inspection coordination across Central Florida.
What type of septic system is right for my property?
The right system depends on your lot size, soil type, water table depth, county zoning, and the size of the structure it will serve. Conventional drainfield systems work well on many residential parcels, but properties with high water tables, limited space, or specific county requirements may need an advanced treatment unit (ATU), mound system, or drip irrigation design. Our team evaluates every site individually and recommends the best-fit solution — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Can Lapin handle both the design and installation?
Yes — and that’s one of the biggest advantages of working with us. Because we handle design, permitting, and installation in-house, there are no handoffs between contractors, no miscommunication, and no delays waiting on a third party. One team manages your project from the first site visit to final county sign-off.
What counties in Central Florida do you serve?
We serve the greater Central Florida area, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk, Volusia, and surrounding counties. Our team is familiar with the specific permitting requirements and regulations in each county — which means fewer surprises and smoother approvals for your project.
Does a new septic design require soil testing?
Yes. Soil testing — specifically a percolation test — is a standard part of the design process and is required by Florida county health departments before a permit can be issued. It determines how well your soil absorbs water, which directly affects system sizing and drainfield design. We handle soil evaluation as part of our design service.
What happens if my property doesn't pass the soil evaluation?
If standard soil conditions aren’t suitable for a conventional drainfield, we explore alternative system options — such as mound systems, drip irrigation systems, or advanced treatment units — that are designed for challenging soil or site conditions. There are almost always compliant options available; the key is working with an experienced contractor who knows how to engineer around site constraints.
Can I convert my septic system to sewer in Brevard County?
Yes. Many Brevard County homeowners may have the option to connect to a public sewer system if sewer service is available near their property. In some cases, eligible homeowners may also qualify for funding assistance to help offset the cost of the conversion. Learn more about eligibility, funding opportunities, and the process on our Brevard County Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Services page.
Schedule Service
Schedule Septic System Design Today
Call Lapin Services at (407) 326-3367 or request a free quote online — we'll evaluate your property and design a septic system built to pass inspection and last for decades.