Table of Contents
At‑a‑Glance Fine Matrix
| Violation | First offence | Second offence |
|---|---|---|
| “Pump‑and‑return” or illegal dump | $2,500 fine + 30‑day licence suspension | $5,000 fine + 60‑day suspension |
| Missing manifest | $100 administrative fine | $100 each recurrence |
| Failure to clean trap | Up to $250 per inspection | Up to $250 each recurrence |
(Source: Florida Statute §403.0741 & SB 1110 fiscal analysis)
Why Tallahassee Stepped In
A midnight sting in Wynwood caught a hauler dumping graywater back into a half‑empty trap. The shortcut saved ten minutes—and left the restaurant responsible for a potential sewer overflow.
Cases like this pushed lawmakers to pass SB 1110, Florida’s first statewide grease‑waste statute.
When grease cools inside pipes it congeals into FOG “globs” that block sewers. Miami‑Dade reports $8 million a year in FOG‑related jetting and cleanup, much of it in hotspots like Brickell, Little Havana, and North Miami Beach.
Remember: a single gallon of fryer oil can solidify into a football‑size lump in under an hour.
SB 1110 in Plain English
The Four Non‑Negotiables
- No more pump‑and‑return. Grease collectors must empty the entire interceptor—no graywater back‑fill to “save volume.”
- Licensed disposal only. Every load must reach a state‑approved grease plant.
Checkpoint 🔄: Disposal’s covered—next up is the paper trail that proves it.
- Triplicate manifest. Originator → hauler → disposal facility. Keep your copy for 12 months (we recommend two years).
- Escalating fines. See the Fine Matrix above.
Kitchen‑Line Analogy: Think of the triplicate manifest like the three carbon‑copy tickets on your expo line. One copy rides with the dish to the customer, one stays under the heat‑lamps for the chef, and the third lands in the register so you can balance the till at closing.
Lose a copy and the order trail breaks—inspectors read grease manifests the same way, tracing every “order” of waste from fryer to final disposal.
Key reminder: Store manifests where inspectors can see them on the first visit—binder on‑site, PDF in the cloud. (Spacing principle #1.)
The Miami‑Dade Overlay
Florida lets counties tighten the rules, and Miami‑Dade’s Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) does just that:
- Grease Discharge Operating Permit (GDO) required – renew every December 31.
- Manifests uploaded by the 20th of the following month in the Liquid Waste Transporter portal.
- DERM‑licensed haulers only. Look for the orange decal on the truck and its driver’s ID.
Pause here, breathe, and set a calendar alert for the 20th of every month. (Spacing principle #2.)
Jorge’s Five‑Step “No‑Stress” Compliance Loop
- Audit your hauler contract – include a no‑return clause and 30‑day manifest delivery.
- Bind & back‑up – physical binder plus cloud folder. Inspectors in Coral Gables love fast retrieval.
- Pump, don’t skim – full evacuations keep the 1‑inch grease layer from hardening.
- Log in on the 19th – confirm uploads before the DERM deadline.
- Set a December 1 reminder – file next year’s GDO renewal.
Spacing principle #3: Repeat Step 2 during each weekly manager meeting until it’s muscle memory.
Social Proof
“Grease Connections flagged our missing manifests before DERM did and saved us a $2,500 fine. The audit took 15 minutes.”
— Chef Maria G., Coconut Grove
“Switching haulers cut our grease bill 22 % and we haven’t had a single compliance citation.”
— Josh H., owner, South Beach Diner
“We passed our first DERM surprise inspection with zero notes—every manifest was in the cloud binder.”
— Luis R., Little Havana Taquería
Over 175 Miami restaurants now rely on Grease Connections to stay SB 1110‑compliant.
FAQ Fast Answers for Busy Operators
Do I need a bigger trap now?
Not because of SB 1110 alone. However, if your interceptor exceeds 25 % FOG by volume, DERM can require upsizing.
Can I self‑haul my grease?
Yes—but only if you hold a Liquid‑Waste Transporter Permit and follow the same manifest rules. For most kitchens, hiring a licensed hauler is cheaper and safer.
How long must I store manifests?
- State requirement: 12 months
- DERM practice: inspectors often ask for two years
What if my hauler misses the upload deadline?
You stay liable. Build a 24‑hour grace clause into the contract or switch vendors.
Next Steps, Turn the Law into an Advantage
Download the free Grease Manifest Tracker to automate binder‑in‑the‑cloud storage →
Or book a 15‑minute compliance audit with Grease Connections. We’ll review your permits, hauler credentials, and pump‑out schedule—no charge, no pushy upsells.
Author
Jorge Argota, co‑founder of Grease Connections, member of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.
(This article is informational, not legal advice. Always check the latest county ordinance before making operational changes.)
