Outdoor Lighting in Tampa, FL (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Tampa, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
Every illuminated sign in Tampa, from a lit storefront to a strip-mall marquee, is capped at one foot-candle of illumination measured four feet from the sign under Sec. 27-289.4(a). Separately, any sign with unshielded lighting that creates glare or is a hazard to motorists or neighbors is an outright prohibited sign under Sec. 27-289.7.
Tampa's Citywide Sign Glare Limit
Some RestrictionsTampa City Code § 27-289.4(a); § 27-289.7(b)-(c)
(a)Illuminated signs, including neon signs, shall not produce more than one (1) footcandle of illumination four (4) feet from the sign, when measured from the base of such sign. ... Has unshielded illuminated devices that produce glare or are a hazard or nuisance to motorists or occupants of adjacent properties ... Due to any lighting or control mechanism, causes radio, television or other comm...
Billboard Lighting
Every electronic billboard sign in Tampa must dim or shield its lighting so nearby homes never see more than three-tenths of a foot-candle of light above ambient conditions. Sec. 27-289.15(d)(3) and (d)(5) set that ceiling, require an automatic light-sensing dimmer, and demand certification before the upgrade permit is issued.
Electronic Billboard Brightness Limits in Tampa
Some RestrictionsTampa City Code § 27-289.15(d)(3), (d)(5)d-e
(3)Lighting control and mitigation. If a residential property is located within two hundred (200) feet of the base of a sign structure, the sign permit applicant must reduce light intensity on, or shade or shield the electronic billboard sign...such that the lighting...shall not result in a light intensity greater than three-tenths of one (0.3) foot-candle above ambient lighting, as measured at...
Looking for Hillsborough County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tampa city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Hillsborough County →