The ENR septic grant: what exists and what does not

ENR means enhanced nutrient-reducing. Under s. 373.469, F.S., it is a septic system approved by FDEP that removes at least 50% of the nitrogen before the drainfield, or at least 65% across tank and drainfield. By July 1, 2030 it is what most septic homes in the lagoon area need if sewer is not available. Types and costs: ENR system types.

Brevard County's Save Our Indian River Lagoon septic upgrade grant is the ENR grant people in Brevard mean:

• at least $6,000 and up to $20,000 per parcel, depending on your parcel's estimated nitrogen load,
• no income limit published,
• you must be approved before work starts,
• the county can pay your contractor directly,
• early adopters who already upgraded can ask for retroactive reimbursement.

Full details and how to apply: Brevard septic grant.

When people say "the state ENR grant" they usually mean Florida's Septic Upgrade Incentive Program. FDEP launched it in 2018 with up to $10,000 per home to replace a conventional system with a nitrogen-reducing one. It only ever covered springs priority focus areas, and it now runs through county programs there, such as Orange County's. Volusia's version covers only DeLeon Springs, in the west of the county.

If you live in Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie or the Volusia lagoon area, that program does not apply to you. Be wary of anyone who says it does.

The Legislature funds an Indian River Lagoon water quality grant program, $25 million in 2026-27 and $100 million in each of the two years before. It pays counties, cities and utilities, not homeowners. State law (s. 403.0673, F.S.) lists retrofitting septic systems to ENR where sewer is not available as an eligible project, and Brevard used $900,000 of it for septic upgrades in 2023-24. Most of the rest pays for sewer lines, which is why a sewer connection grant is more common than an ENR grant outside Brevard.

A federal request is also pending: Rep. Mike Haridopolos asked for FY2027 community project money for at least 300 Brevard septic upgrades at up to $10,000 each. It is a request, not an award.

• Indian River, St. Lucie, Volusia: no homeowner ENR grant found. Look at SHIP home repair if your income is low or moderate, and USDA Section 504 in rural areas.
• Everyone: septic financing, including PACE, which since July 2024 can pay for an advanced septic system where no sewer is available.
• See every program on the septic grants hub, with a quiz.

We will connect you with a licensed installer who can quote an approved ENR system and help with the grant paperwork where a grant exists. Get quotes and help applying, or check your address first.