The Florida Department of Health regulates the generation, transport, storage, and treatment of biomedical waste through processes other than incineration. The Department of Environmental Protection has primary responsibility for biomedical waste incineration and final disposal, according to section 381.0098, Florida Statutes, and Rule 64E-16, Florida Administrative Code.
Any facility that generates, stores, transports or treats biomedical waste are required to apply for a Biomedical Waste Permit in the state of Florida (see definition in 64E-16, F.A.C.). These facilities include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Dental Clinics
- Electrolysis Clinics
- Funeral Homes
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Medical Clinics
- Nursing Homes
- Storage and Treatment Facilities
- Transporters of Biomedical Waste
- Veterinarian Clinics
- Dialysis Clinics
- Blood Banks
- Medical Doctors Offices
- Abortion Clinics
- Podiatrists
- Home Health Agencies
- Pharmacies
- Acupuncture/Chiropractic
- IV Therapy Facilities
- Body Piercing Salons
- Tattoo Establishments
Facilities located in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties must contact the Biomedical Waste Inspection office located in Escambia County for permitting:
- Downtown Service Center (1300 West Gregory St.)
- Open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Permit Applications
- Biomedical Waste Permit Application
- Biomedical Waste Transporter Application
- Biomedical Waste Storage Application
A Biomedical Waste Permit is issued after:
- Permit application is submitted to department.
- Payment of fee (fee schedule).
- Completion of a ‘Satisfactory’ inspection with zero violations:
The Inspection process entails, but is not limited to:
- Walk-through of facility & locations of where biomedical waste is generated & stored
- Proper handling & labeling of biomedical waste
- Proper transfer within facility & transport of biomedical waste from facility
- Review of biomedical waste records, such as training records, biomedical waste operating plan, and manifests
*Note: All persons employed who handle biomedical waste are required to have initial and annual refresher training.
Facilities that produce less than 25 pounds in any 30-day period (and can document this for a minimum of one year) can apply for an exemption. Continued documentation of monthly biomedical waste weights are under 25 pounds in any 30-day period is required to remain an exempt facility.
Fees
Environmental Public Health bills and fees can be paid in-person, by mail, or can pay online. We accept cash, credit cards, and checks (returned check fee is $25)
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Escambia Generator Annual Permit | $163 |
| Santa Rosa Generator Annual Permit | $85 |
| Exempt Generator Annual Permit | $85 |
| Escambia Storage Annual Permit | $163 |
| Santa Rosa Storage Annual Permit | $85 |
| Escambia Transporter Annual Permit | $163 |
| Santa Rosa Transporter Annual Permit | $85 |
| Additional vehicle | $10 |
| Late fee | $50 |
| Biomed instruction and Training (fee per permitted office) | $100 |
| Onsite Consultation Fee | $60 |
Guidelines for Disposal of Home-Generated Biomedical Waste
Learn more about residential sharps disposal on how to properly dispose of home-generated biomedical waste.