Florida's Chapter 62-705 of the Florida Administrative Code is the state regulation governing grease waste removal and disposal. Effective December 7, 2025, this law requires every food service establishment that generates grease waste to use only Florida DEP-licensed haulers, maintain proper manifests for every pump-out, and follow strict disposal procedures — with fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance.
If you own or manage a restaurant, hotel kitchen, school cafeteria, hospital kitchen, or any commercial food preparation facility in Florida, this guide explains exactly what you need to know to stay compliant.
What Is Chapter 62-705?
Chapter 62-705 F.A.C. (Florida Administrative Code) is the implementing regulation for Section 403.0741 of the Florida Statutes, formally titled "Grease Waste Removal and Disposal." The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the enforcement agency.
The regulation creates a structured system for tracking grease waste from the point of generation (your restaurant) through transportation to final disposal at a permitted facility. It establishes licensing requirements for haulers, documentation requirements for every service visit, and penalties for violations at every level of the chain.
Before December 2025, grease waste hauling in Florida operated under a patchwork of county-level ordinances with minimal state oversight. Chapter 62-705 standardizes requirements statewide, closing gaps that led to illegal dumping and environmental contamination.
Who Does Chapter 62-705 Apply To?
The law defines three categories of regulated parties:
1. Originators (Food Service Establishments)
An originator is any facility that generates grease waste requiring removal. This includes:
- Full-service and fast-food restaurants
- Hotel and resort kitchens
- Hospital and nursing home kitchens
- School and university cafeterias
- Catering companies and commissary kitchens
- Food trucks with grease traps
- Shopping mall food courts
- Corporate cafeterias
- Bakeries and delis
- Bars and nightclubs with food preparation
If your establishment has a grease trap or grease interceptor, you are an originator under Chapter 62-705.
2. Haulers (Grease Waste Transporters)
Any company that pumps, collects, and transports grease waste must hold a valid DEP Grease Waste Transporter license. This is a new state-level requirement — previously, many haulers operated only under county permits. After December 7, 2025, operating without a DEP license is a violation subject to fines and cease-and-desist orders.
3. Disposal Facilities
Facilities that receive and process grease waste must hold DEP permits for that activity. This includes wastewater treatment plants with FOG (fats, oils, and grease) receiving stations, rendering plants, and approved recycling facilities.
The Manifest System: Form 62-705.300(3)
The backbone of Chapter 62-705 compliance is the manifest system. Every grease waste pump-out must be documented on DEP Form 62-705.300(3), a multi-part carbon form that tracks the waste from origin to disposal.
What the Manifest Records
Each manifest documents:
- Originator information: Name and address of the food service establishment, grease trap or interceptor size, and the date and time of service
- Hauler information: Company name, DEP license number, vehicle identification, driver name, and volume of waste removed (in gallons)
- Disposal information: Name and permit number of the receiving facility, date of delivery, and volume accepted
How the Manifest Works
The manifest is a triple-carbon form with three copies:
- White copy (original): Stays with the disposal facility
- Yellow copy: Returned to the originator (you, the restaurant owner)
- Pink copy: Retained by the hauler
Your hauler should provide your copy at the time of service or within a reasonable period. You are required to keep your manifest copies on file and available for inspection.
Why the Manifest Matters
The manifest creates a paper trail that prevents illegal dumping. Before this system, some unlicensed operators would pump grease traps and dump the waste into storm drains, vacant lots, or unauthorized locations. The manifest ensures every gallon of grease waste is accounted for from pickup to proper disposal.
Important for restaurant owners: If your hauler does not provide a manifest, that is a red flag. You should request one and, if they cannot provide it, consider switching to a compliant service provider.
Penalty Structure
Chapter 62-705 establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations:
| Violation Type | Fine Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Operating without a DEP hauler license | $500 - $5,000 | Per occurrence |
| Failure to complete manifest | $100 - $1,000 | Per missing manifest |
| Improper disposal of grease waste | $1,000 - $5,000 | Per incident |
| Originator using unlicensed hauler | $100 - $500 | Per service event |
| Failure to maintain records | $100 - $500 | Per inspection finding |
| Repeat violations | Up to $5,000 | Enhanced penalties apply |
What This Means for Restaurant Owners
The most common violation risk for restaurant owners is using an unlicensed hauler. Even if you did not know your hauler lacked a DEP license, you can still be fined $100 to $500 per service event. This makes it essential to verify your hauler's license status before signing a service contract.
Additionally, failure to maintain your manifest copies can result in fines during a county or DEP inspection. Keep your manifests organized and accessible — a simple file folder behind the manager's desk is sufficient.
Enforcement Timeline
- December 7, 2025: Chapter 62-705 became effective
- January - June 2026: DEP education and outreach period — inspectors focus on informing businesses of new requirements
- July 2026 onward: Full enforcement expected with routine inspections and penalties for non-compliance
The DEP has indicated that the first six months after the effective date would prioritize education over punishment. However, this grace period does not apply to egregious violations such as illegal dumping or operating a hauling business without a license.
As of April 2026, the DEP is still building its licensed hauler registry. Some legitimate haulers may still be in the application process. However, you should confirm that your hauler has at least applied for their DEP license.
What Restaurant Owners Must Do to Comply
Here is your compliance checklist under Chapter 62-705:
1. Verify Your Hauler Is DEP Licensed
Contact your current grease trap service company and ask for their DEP Grease Waste Transporter license number. You can verify this through the Florida DEP website. If your hauler is not licensed or cannot provide a license number, begin searching for a compliant alternative through our company directory.
2. Ensure You Receive Manifests
After every pump-out, you should receive your copy of DEP Form 62-705.300(3). If your hauler does not provide this automatically, request it in writing. Document the request in case of a future inspection.
3. Maintain Your Records
Keep all manifest copies on file for a minimum of three years. Organize them chronologically. During an inspection, you will need to produce these records on request.
4. Follow Your County's Cleaning Schedule
Chapter 62-705 sets the state baseline, but many Florida counties have stricter local FOG (fats, oils, and grease) ordinances. For example:
- Miami-Dade County: Grease traps must be cleaned before reaching 25% capacity
- Pinellas County: Monthly cleaning required for interceptors
- Hillsborough County: Cleaning required every 90 days
- Sarasota County: 30 days for traps, 90 days for interceptors
Check your county's specific requirements to ensure you meet both state and local standards. Our cleaning frequency guide covers county-by-county requirements in detail.
5. Keep Your Trap in Good Condition
A damaged or malfunctioning grease trap can lead to overflows, which are environmental violations under both Chapter 62-705 and local wastewater ordinances. Schedule regular inspections and address repairs promptly.
6. Post Contact Information
Some counties require that the grease trap service company's contact information be posted near the trap. Even where not required, this is a best practice — it allows your kitchen staff to report issues quickly and helps inspectors verify your service provider.
How to Verify a Hauler Is DEP Licensed
Verifying your hauler's license status is the single most important compliance step you can take. Here is how:
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Ask your hauler directly. A legitimate, licensed hauler will provide their DEP license number without hesitation. If they dodge the question or claim they don't need one, that is a major red flag.
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Check the DEP registry. The Florida DEP maintains a list of licensed grease waste transporters at floridadep.gov/waste. As of early 2026, the registry is still being populated as haulers complete the licensing process.
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Verify insurance. Licensed haulers are required to carry liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming your establishment as additionally insured.
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Check for a manifest. If a hauler provides DEP Form 62-705.300(3) with their license number printed on it, that is strong evidence of compliance.
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Use our directory. Our company directory lists grease trap service providers across Florida. We track DEP license verification status and display it on each listing, making it easier for you to find compliant providers in your area.
Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming your hauler is licensed because they have been in business for years. The DEP license is a new requirement — longevity does not guarantee compliance.
- Not keeping manifest copies. Even if your hauler keeps their copy, you need yours.
- Ignoring county requirements. Meeting the state standard does not automatically satisfy your county's FOG ordinance if it is stricter.
- Waiting until you are inspected. Proactive compliance is far cheaper than reactive fines.
- Signing long-term contracts without verifying the hauler's DEP license first.
The Cost of Compliance vs. Non-Compliance
Staying compliant with Chapter 62-705 is straightforward and affordable. Regular grease trap cleaning typically costs $200 to $500 per pump-out, and maintaining manifests costs nothing beyond basic filing.
Non-compliance, on the other hand, can cost $100 to $5,000 per violation, damage your health inspection score, result in temporary closure orders, and create environmental liability. The math is clear: compliance wins every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chapter 62-705 go into effect?
Chapter 62-705 became effective on December 7, 2025. The Florida DEP began an education and outreach period in early 2026, with full enforcement expected by mid-2026.
Does Chapter 62-705 apply to food trucks?
Yes. Any food service establishment that generates grease waste and uses a grease trap or interceptor is covered under Chapter 62-705, including food trucks with grease management systems.
What happens if my hauler is not DEP licensed?
If you use an unlicensed hauler, you (the originator) can be fined $100 to $500 per service event, even if you did not know the hauler was unlicensed. Your hauler faces separate fines of $500 to $5,000.
How long must I keep manifest records?
You should keep manifest copies for a minimum of three years. Some counties may require longer retention periods under their local FOG ordinances.
Can I clean my own grease trap to avoid hiring a hauler?
You can perform routine maintenance such as scraping and skimming between professional pump-outs, but the actual removal and disposal of grease waste must be performed by a DEP-licensed hauler. You cannot legally transport grease waste yourself unless you hold a DEP Grease Waste Transporter license.