Verified as of September 9, 2026. We re-check these pages quarterly.
How much you get
- Minimum $6,000 for every property inside the plan area — approved by the County Commission in December 2025, regardless of nitrogen loading
- Up to $20,000 based on your parcel's estimated pollution contribution — closer to the water and sandier soil score higher
- Retroactive reimbursement for "early adopters" who upgraded before funding was available or when funding was low
Who qualifies. Registered owners of residential or commercial property inside the Indian River Lagoon watershed in Brevard County where connection to central sewer is not feasible. If sewer is planned for your street, you'll be steered to the septic-to-sewer grant instead.
What the grant covers. The upgrade package typically includes the ATU installation, replacing the drainfield to meet the two-foot separation from the water table, and a two-year maintenance agreement. Permit fees are generally not included.
How the money flows. Two options: reimbursement to you, or the county pays your licensed septic contractor directly for eligible work. Not every contractor accepts county payment, and some require a deposit from you before starting — ask up front. You must apply and be approved before any work begins; work started without approval is not reimbursable.
Step by step
- Confirm you're in the area — how to check
- Contact the program: (321) 633-2016 or IRLProject@BrevardFL.gov to request an application
- Get an upgrade estimate from a Florida-registered contractor (we'll provide one that's structured for the grant)
- Submit; wait for approval
- Install; county inspects; contractor is paid or you're reimbursed
- Keep the ATU under a maintenance contract — required for life
The math for a typical Palm Bay lot. ATU upgrade quoted at $15,000. Parcel scores $12,000 on the grant. Out of pocket: $3,000 plus permit fees, plus about $375 a year to run. Compared with a $10,000–$15,000 drain field replacement that wouldn't be compliant anyway, the grant path wins.
Verified as of September 9, 2026. Funding rounds rotate and amounts have changed twice since 2020 ($18,000 → $20,000, then the $6,000 floor added). Confirm current availability before counting on a number.