2 minute read
St. Petersburg residents have been battling the consequences of outdated sewer infrastructure for years. While major spills into Tampa Bay made national headlines, a growing number of families are now facing sewage backups flooding their homes, damaging property, and exposing them to health risks.
During recent storms, more than 400,000 gallons of raw sewage were released into St. Pete streets and neighborhoods . When sewer systems overflow, raw sewage can back up through toilets, drains, and showers, leaving homes contaminated with dangerous bacteria and mold.
St. Petersburg’s aging wastewater system has long struggled to meet demand. From 2015 to 2016, over 200 million gallons of raw and partially treated sewage were discharged into Tampa Bay, prompting Clean Water Act lawsuits and exposing severe infrastructure failures .
The Hidden Cost: Sewage Backups Inside Homes
Sewage backups are more than a nuisance. They can destroy flooring, walls, furniture, and personal belongings within minutes. Mold and bacteria spread quickly, making homes unsafe to live in and requiring expensive remediation .
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable, with entire complexes experiencing backups that flood multiple units at once. The health risks include gastrointestinal illness, respiratory infections, and skin conditions linked to raw sewage exposure .
You Have Rights, But the City Pushes Back
Many sewage backups are linked to city failures to maintain critical sewer infrastructure. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 768.28) allows residents to pursue compensation for property damage, health costs, and other losses when negligence is involved. You may be entitled to up to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, but cities often delay, deny, or downplay responsibility .
Our team helps homeowners and renters in St. Petersburg fight back. If your property has been damaged by a sewage backup, contact us to understand your rights and take action.
Contact Us
If you live in the area and have suffered health issues, property damage, or other losses due to sewage spills or contamination, The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is here to help. Call us today at 888-858-5970 for a free consultation.
Date: July 11, 2025
Attorney and Editor-in-Chief: Brandon Salter
Editor: Madison Hurley
Citations:
https://stpetecatalyst.com/over-400000-gallons-of-sewage-spewed-in-st-pete/
https://www.wusf.org/environment/2025-06-02/court-settlement-st-petersburg-wastewater-completed?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.fox13news.com/news/st-pete-approves-projects-make-sewer-system-more-resilient
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935121009038?utm_source=chatgpt.com