Grease Interceptor Sizing Calculator
FL DBPR FOG compliance, GPM calculator, interceptor vs trap selection, cleaning schedules, manifest requirements. Per PDI G101 and FL DBPR / local authority guidelines.
Standard Grease Device Sizing Chart
| Flow Rate | PDI Rating | Capacity | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 GPM | PDI-7 | 14 gallons | Single sink, café |
| 10 GPM | PDI-10 | 20 gallons | Small kitchen |
| 15 GPM | PDI-15 | 30 gallons | Small-med restaurant |
| 20 GPM | PDI-20 | 40 gallons | Medium restaurant |
| 25 GPM | PDI-25 | 50 gallons | Busy restaurant |
| 50 GPM | PDI-50 | 100 gallons | High-volume / hotel |
| 1,000+ gal | Interceptor | 1,000–5,000 gal | Large commercial |
FL DBPR and local authorities may require larger than PDI minimum. Always verify with your FL county health department and local wastewater authority before purchasing.
FL FOG Manifesting Requirements
Waste Manifest (Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest) — All grease trap and interceptor pump-outs in FL require a waste manifest signed by the generator (restaurant), the transporter (pump truck company), and the disposal facility. Keep copies on-site for minimum 3 years.
Licensed Waste Hauler Required — FL requires a licensed waste transporter. In most FL counties, the transporter must be registered with the local wastewater utility. Unlicensed haulers = immediate DBPR violation + fines up to $5,000.
Record Keeping — Florida restaurant license requires proof of grease maintenance. Keep: pump-out receipts, manifests, service records. DBPR inspector will request these during routine inspection. Missing records = citation.
25% Rule — Many FL county wastewater authorities enforce the "25% rule": when combined FOG and solids reach 25% of interceptor capacity, it must be pumped. This typically means pumping before you think you need to.
FOG Compliance Checklist
- Grease device sized and installed per PDI standards
- Cleaning/pumping schedule established and documented
- Licensed waste hauler contracted for pump-outs
- Waste manifests from last 3 years on file
- FOG program registration with local wastewater authority
- Grease device accessible for inspection and pumping
- No garbage disposal connected to grease system (FL rule)
FL Grease Interceptor Code Requirements
Florida enforces grease management through multiple agencies: FL DBPR (restaurants), FL DEP (environmental), and local wastewater utilities. Non-compliance can result in license suspension, utility surcharges, and environmental fines.
FPC Section 1003 — Grease Interceptors — The Florida Plumbing Code requires a grease interceptor when the installation will receive grease-laden wastes from commercial food service. Size determined by PDI G101 method. Permit required for installation and replacement.
DBPR Chapter 509 — Restaurant License — FL food service license requires grease management plan. DBPR inspectors check: device present, accessible, properly maintained, records available. Annual inspection may include grease device check. Non-compliant device = critical violation.
Grease Trap vs Grease Interceptor — Grease TRAP: under-sink, small volume (10–100 gallons), requires weekly cleaning, for low-volume use. Grease INTERCEPTOR: outdoor, large volume (500–5,000 gallons), monthly pumping minimum, for most FL restaurants. FL county wastewater authorities often require interceptors over traps for full-service restaurants.
No Garbage Disposals (FL Rule) — FL DBPR and most FL wastewater authorities prohibit garbage disposals (food grinders) from being connected to any drain that flows to a grease interceptor. Food solids rapidly fill interceptors and violate capacity calculations. Disposals may only drain to solid waste.
High-Temperature Water Concern — Water above 140°F liquefies FOG, which then re-conglomerates downstream in the sewer — actually increasing blockage risk. FL DBPR recommends interceptors rated for high-temperature inlet. Some FL utilities require a cooling chamber before interceptor for water above 140°F.
FOG Program Registration — Most FL cities (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, etc.) require commercial food service establishments to register with the local FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) program. Registration includes interceptor location, size, and pumping schedule. Annual fee: $50–$200 typical. Failure to register = utility fine.
Automatic Grease Removal (AGR) Units — Some FL authorities accept AGR/AGI (Automatic Grease Interceptor) units as alternatives to traditional interceptors for smaller establishments. AGR units skim and store FOG continuously. Requires daily maintenance, weekly waste removal. Check with local authority before installing.
FL Major City FOG Program Summary
- Miami-Dade WASD: FOG Program required; 1,500 gal min for full-service; surcharge for violations
- Broward County: Each municipality has own FOG rules; 90-day pumping max for most
- Palm Beach County: 25% rule enforced; registered haulers only; manifests required
- City of Orlando (OUC): FOG registration required; 1,000 gal min; 90-day pumping cycle
- Tampa (TUW): FOG Program; monthly pumping for <1,000 gal; quarterly for 1,500+ gal
- Jacksonville (JEA): JEA FOG Program; minimum 1,000 gal for most restaurants
- Pinellas County: Each city varies; St. Pete strict on manifests; Clearwater requires AGR option
FL Grease Interceptor Cost Guide
- Under-sink trap (20–50 gal): $400–$900 installed
- 500-gal outdoor interceptor: $2,500–$5,000 installed
- 1,000-gal interceptor: $4,000–$8,000 installed
- 1,500-gal interceptor: $5,500–$11,000 installed
- AGR automatic unit: $1,800–$4,000 installed
- Pump-out service (per visit): $200–$600
- FL plumbing permit: $150–$500