The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced on Mar. 27 that its Grease Waste Program is now in effect, requiring restaurants and other food-related businesses to manage fats, oils, and grease responsibly to protect plumbing systems and the environment.
The program is intended to prevent plumbing clogs and environmental harm by regulating how grease waste is handled across Florida. Businesses that do not comply risk fines or losing their licenses.
Under the new rules, establishments such as restaurants, schools, and hospitals must have their grease traps or interceptors cleaned regularly. Only licensed haulers or approved self-cleaners are permitted to remove and transport collected grease to certified disposal facilities. Each collection must be documented with a Service Manifest signed by all parties involved, with copies kept for records.
Haulers must apply for a license at least 30 days before starting operations or by June 5, 2026 if already operating. Licenses expire April 1 each year and require renewal by March 1. Self-cleaners handling up to 55 gallons must follow similar recordkeeping procedures as haulers. Disposal facilities are required to be permitted or certified, inspect tanks regularly, process grease within six months of receipt, maintain monthly records, and renew certifications every three years; existing operators must apply for permits before December 7, 2026 unless already permitted.
The DEP may inspect both businesses generating grease waste and those hauling it to ensure compliance with Section 403.0741 of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 62-705 of the Florida Administrative Code.
For more information about compliance requirements or joining the mailing list for updates on the Grease Waste Program forms can contact the DEP at (850)245-8705 or via email at Grease.Waste@FloridaDEP.gov.
