Homeowners: Flush costly septic inspections law down drain

A new law that requires statewide inspections of septic tanks as a way to reduce pollution in Florida's springs, streams and lakes is under attack as a financial burden on homeowners.

The state Legislature, which convenes Tuesday for a half-day special session, is expected to delay the start of the inspections, scheduled to begin early next year, so lawmakers can reconsider the measure during a regular session that starts in March.

The author of the inspections requirement, former Republican state Sen. Lee Constantine of Altamonte Springs, said last week that a delay would give critics the opportunity to fatally sabotage a tool designed to help Florida address its increasingly costly water woes.

"It's pay me a little now or pay me a lot later," said Constantine, who could not run for re-election this month because of term limits.

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