Public Health Rules in Tampa, FL (2026)
3 verified public health rules for Tampa, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rodent Control
Tampa's property-maintenance code requires every dwelling to physically block rodent entry: City Code § 19-231(8) mandates a screen or other barrier on every basement or cellar window and any other opening that could let rodents in. The same section's insect-screening clause (7) sets an 18-by-14 mesh minimum for door and window screens, both enforced by the Department of Code Enforcement.
Tampa Rodent Screening Requirements
Some RestrictionsCity of Tampa Code § 19-231(7)-(8)
(7)Protection against mosquitoes, insects. Every door opening directly to outdoors from a dwelling unit used or intended to be used for ventilation shall be supplied screens and a self-closing device as protection against mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Every window and other device with openings to outdoor space used or intended to be used for ventilation shall likewise be supplied with s...
Bed-Bug Rules
Florida law treats bed bug infestations as a habitability issue under FL §83.51 (Landlord-Tenant Act). Tampa landlords must extermineate in multi-unit properties. Tampa has no separate bed bug ordinance.
Tampa bed bug treatment is landlord responsibility
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 83.51(2)(a)
83.51 Landlord's obligation to maintain premises. — [...] (2)(a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1), the landlord of a dwelling unit other than a single-family home or duplex shall, at all times during the tenancy, make reasonable provisions for: 1. The extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms, and bedbugs. When vac...
Syringe Disposal
Florida's IDEA Exchange Act (FL §381.0038) authorizes county-run sterile syringe services. Hillsborough County operates a needle exchange to reduce HIV/HCV transmission. Public sharps disposal kiosks remain limited.
Tampa needle exchange via IDEA Exchange Florida
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 381.0038(4)
(4) A county commission may authorize a sterile needle and syringe exchange program to operate within its county boundaries. The program may operate at one or more fixed locations or through mobile health units. The program shall offer the free exchange of clean, unused needles and hypodermic syringes for used needles and hypodermic syringes as a means to prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS, ...
Looking for Hillsborough County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tampa city rules.
Public Health Rules in Hillsborough County →