This year the City of Coral Gables held 10 informational meetings to help residents better understand the septic-to-sewer process should Federal or State grant opportunities become available in the future. These sessions were not mandates, not policy changes, and not the start of a conversion program. Rather, they were designed to offer residents accurate information and the opportunity to learn more about potential options down the road.

To clarify:

• No mandate exists requiring neighborhoods to convert from septic to sewer.
• The city is not launching a septic-to-sewer conversion program.
• Residents are only required to connect to the sewer by State and County law if — and only if — a sanitary sewer system is installed on their street.
• A mandate would only occur if required by the State of Florida, not the city.
• If a septic tank fails, Miami-Dade County now requires replacement with a more advanced and more expensive system under county law.

The city conducted a basin study and presentations to ensure residents had the information they need to make informed decisions should Federal or State grants become available in the future. At that time, neighborhoods would have the option to consider whether they want to pursue such opportunities.

These meetings were held to educate, inform, and listen but not to impose any requirements. Coral Gables remains committed to transparency, responsible planning, and supporting residents with accurate information as state and federal funding programs evolve.

See the Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Program page for more information.