Florida Laws on Operating a Mobile Car Wash System

In Florida, wastewater from car washing systems, including mobile car washing, is considered industrial wastewater and must be disposed of accordingly.  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has enacted rules for the disposal of car wash wastewater.  Depending on the scope of the business, the mobile car washer may or may not need to apply for a general permit for industrial wastewater.   Most mobile car washed would be designated as residential car wash.   

If  a residential car wash releases less than 4000 gallons of waste water per week it is exempt from needing the permit.  However, the car wash cannot discharge any water into surface water (lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, etc.) or ground water (releasing water onto natural surface  so that it drains into the water shelf under the surface).  As long as the water drains into a sewage system and is below the limit no permit is needed. 

The residential mobile car washer may not use certain substances such as engine degreasers.  In addition, the mobile washer may not dispose of any fluids or solid wastes from under the hood into the sewage system.  The DEP also requires that certain procedures be followed: of importance to mobile washers is the possible need for oil resistance booms to make certain that runoff does not end up in storm water or ground water. (florida statute 62-660.803)