Almost everyone knows that an inspection is a critical piece of the home-buying puzzle. However, there’s one crucial system that’s not included in a standard home inspection that often gets overlooked by buyers: the sewer lines. But this critical network shouldn’t be an afterthought. Sewer and septic tank inspections are an essential part of maintaining sewer systems, not just for home buyers, but also for those who own office buildings, industrial structures, and more.
Though the job title might not sound glamorous, sewer inspectors and septic tank contractors are essential for homes, buildings, and cities to operate smoothly and without issue. However, if you’re a sewer inspector or septic tank contractor in Orlando who’s been arrested, you may face a suspension or revocation of your license. This problem can only worsen if you fail to report this conviction or plea to the Florida Department of Health (DOH).
In Florida, a criminal violation can often result in harsher consequences for a licensed professional than someone who doesn’t hold a specialized license or certification. For sewer inspectors and septic tank contractors who have their licenses, there are stringent reporting requirements for those charged with a crime, whether they receive a guilty conviction or enter a plea. Failing to do so could result in additional penalties beyond the statutory consequences handed down by the state.
An issue with a sewer system can develop into a substantial emergency in seconds, affecting not only individual homes and businesses but entire cities. Those who are tapped to inspect sewer lines help address these kinds of emergencies by traveling into large pipes and other wastewater infrastructure to identify the root cause of a problem.
Becoming a sewer inspector typically involves a background as an apprentice for a highway department or utility company, technical education, and higher knowledge in math. These jobs might require working in all types of weather and answering calls after hours. People who become sewer inspectors work in confined spaces that are smelly and damp and must work in heat while wearing safety protection, including headgear, goggles, and gloves.
Similarly, a septic tank contractor performs inspections on septic tank systems to check the water levels to ensure the tank is not overloaded or leaking. During a full inspection, the septic tank is pumped into a drain field so family homes or buildings don’t have sewage backups in the pipes. A septic tank contractor will examine these pipes during the inspection to ensure there’s no blockage preventing the water flow from the house or building to the septic tank.
The Florida Department of Health is responsible for licensing septic tank contractors. The DOH handles examinations as well as disciplinary actions against licensed contractors. To obtain a Florida septic tank license, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of septic system locations and installations, septage disposal, site evaluation criteria, construction standards for drain field systems, and more.
If a Florida building inspector or septic tank contractor fails to report their conviction or plea deal to the DOH, they could potentially face penalties that include a letter of reprimand, fines, probation, suspension, or revocation. To avoid these penalties, this notification must be received by the DOH within 30 days of the conviction or plea deal.
Violations that could result in disciplinary action include conviction of a crime related to their profession, using drugs or being impaired from drugs while working, drug diversion, sexual misconduct, violation of standards of care, and defaulting on student loans.
If you’re a licensed sewer inspector or septic tank contractor in Orlando who’s been arrested and is facing penalties for failing to report the crime to the Florida Department of Health, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal assistance. For help protecting your professional career and rights, look no further than the highly knowledgeable criminal and professional license defense lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team has the resources and expertise to investigate your case and fight for an outcome that’s in your best interest. We understand the ins and outs of Florida administrative laws and stand committed to protecting you from further penalty and harm to your reputation. Call or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
