Tampa, FL Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Tampa requires a building permit for any shed or accessory structure larger than 100 square feet in area or taller than 12 feet at the peak. Under the Florida Building Code, Tampa is in a 140-mph Ultimate Design Wind Speed zone, meaning even smaller prefabricated sheds must be anchored to resist wind uplift, and larger sheds require engineered drawings or approved manufacturer specs. City zoning (Chapter 27) requires sheds to observe accessory structure setbacks of typically 5 feet from side and rear property lines and to be located in rear or side yards only. Maximum accessory structure coverage is generally 30 percent of the rear yard. Sheds cannot be placed in drainage or utility easements, and in flood zones (large portions of South Tampa, Davis Islands, Palma Ceia) any shed with electrical service or anchored foundations may need elevation or flood venting per FEMA standards. Metal, wood, vinyl, and plastic sheds are all allowed, but HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities (Westchase, New Tampa, FishHawk) often restrict materials to match the primary dwelling. Electrical service to a shed requires a separate electrical permit. Sheds are not allowed in front yards and may not be used as habitable space without meeting full residential code and ADU permitting.