Duval County, which encompasses the City of Jacksonville, manages grease trap compliance through the JEA (Jacksonville's utility provider) and the Jacksonville FOG ordinance. FSEs must work with JEA-preferred haulers and comply with facility-specific pump-out schedules. These local requirements supplement state standards under Chapter 62-705 F.A.C..
Local Ordinance Details
The Jacksonville FOG ordinance is enforced by JEA's Environmental Compliance Division. JEA administers the FOG Pretreatment Program, which requires all food service establishments to install and maintain approved grease control devices. The JEA Preferred Hauler Program establishes a list of vetted grease waste transporters that meet JEA's documentation and disposal standards. FSEs are strongly encouraged to use preferred haulers to ensure compliance documentation is properly filed.
Pump-Out Frequency
Duval County sets pump-out frequency on a per-permit basis through JEA. Typical requirements include:
- Full-service restaurants: Every 30 to 90 days depending on volume and trap size
- Fast food establishments: Every 60 to 90 days
- Cafeterias and institutional kitchens: Every 90 days
JEA inspectors may adjust the assigned frequency after reviewing inspection data. Facilities that consistently exceed grease accumulation thresholds may be placed on accelerated pumping schedules.
Documentation Required
JEA inspectors require the following during compliance checks:
- Active JEA FOG permit or registration
- Grease waste manifests from every pump-out event
- Hauler documentation (preferably from a JEA Preferred Hauler)
- Maintenance records with dates, volumes, and hauler contact information
- Grease control device specifications and installation records
Penalties
JEA enforces FOG violations through a progressive enforcement system. Initial violations result in a Notice of Non-Compliance with a corrective action deadline. Unresolved violations can lead to fines of up to $1,000 per day. JEA can impose significant surcharges on sewer bills for facilities responsible for FOG-related sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). In extreme cases, JEA may terminate wastewater service until compliance is restored.
How to Stay Compliant
- Register with JEA's FOG Pretreatment Program and obtain your facility-specific permit.
- Use JEA Preferred Haulers whenever possible to ensure proper manifest documentation and disposal records.
- Follow your assigned pump-out schedule — do not skip or delay service events.
- Maintain detailed records of every cleaning, including manifests, for at least three years.
- Respond promptly to JEA notices — corrective action deadlines are enforced strictly.
Find a Service Provider
Browse verified grease trap service companies in Duval County to find JEA-preferred and compliant haulers near your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JEA Preferred Hauler Program?
The JEA Preferred Hauler Program is a list of grease waste transporters that have been vetted by JEA for proper licensing, disposal practices, and documentation standards. Using a preferred hauler simplifies compliance because JEA receives service records directly.
Do I need a separate permit for Jacksonville Beach or Neptune Beach?
Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach have separate utility systems but fall within Duval County. Contact the respective municipal utility provider to determine local FOG permit requirements, as they may differ from JEA's program.
Can JEA change my assigned pumping frequency?
Yes. JEA can increase or decrease your assigned pump-out frequency based on inspection findings, changes in your business volume, or history of compliance issues. If you believe your current schedule is too frequent or infrequent, you can request a review from JEA Environmental Compliance.