Light Trespass: Dover vs Tampa
How do light trespass rules compare between Dover, FL and Tampa, FL?
Dover and Tampa have similar restriction levels.
Dover, FL
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County LDC §6.11.08 limits light trespass onto neighboring residential property to 0.5 foot-candles at the property line for commercial/multifamily sources. Residential-to-residential light spillover addressed under nuisance provisions of County Code Chapter 8.
View full Dover rules →Tampa, FL
Hillsborough County
Tampa addresses light trespass through zoning code lighting standards for commercial properties and general nuisance provisions. Commercial developments must limit illumination at property boundaries to protect adjacent residential uses.
View full Tampa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dover | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Line | 0.5 fc max | - |
| Commercial Line | 1.0 fc max | - |
| Shielding | Required | - |
| Complaints | Code Enforcement | Through Code Enforcement |
| Commercial | - | Shielded fixtures and property line limits |
| Residential | - | Nuisance provisions apply |
| Waterfront | - | Sea turtle rules add restrictions |
| Remedy | - | May require fixture modifications |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dover FAQ
My neighbors floodlight shines in my window. What can I do?
File a complaint with Hillsborough Code Enforcement citing nuisance lighting. Enforcement can order shielding or aiming adjustments.
Who enforces this in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County code enforcement at (813) 272-5900 handles complaints.
Tampa FAQ
What can I do about a neighbor's bright lights in Tampa?
File a complaint with Code Enforcement. If the lighting constitutes a nuisance, the city may require the neighbor to shield or redirect their fixtures.
Are commercial properties required to limit light trespass?
Yes. The zoning code requires commercial outdoor lighting to be shielded and sets maximum illumination levels at property lines.
Compare other topics
See how Dover and Tampa compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool