Dade City, FL

Sheds in Dade City under 150 square feet do not require a building permit but must have tie-downs and meet setback requirements. Larger sheds require permits. All accessory structures must comply with the Land Development Regulations.

Carports in Dade City are accessory structures regulated under the Land Development Regulations. A building permit from the Dade City Building Department is required, and the carport must meet the underlying zoning district's setback, height, lot-coverage, and parking standards. Florida Building Code 2023 wind-load design applies; Pasco County sits in FBC's high-wind zone.

Accessory dwelling units in Dade City are regulated by the Land Development Regulations. Florida has no statewide ADU mandate, though Pasco County is exploring ADU regulations. Setbacks vary by zoning district as detailed in the LDR.

Garage conversions in Dade City require a building permit and compliance with Florida Building Code. Converted spaces must meet minimum parking requirements and all habitable space standards. Electric diagrams may be required for electrical work.

Pasco County regulates tiny homes on foundations as dwellings under the Florida Building Code (with Appendix Q for homes under 400 sq ft). Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are treated as RVs and limited to RV parks under LDC.

Florida has no statewide statutory insurance mandate for short-term or vacation rentals, and Dade City's Code does not impose a city-level STR liability insurance requirement. Hosts typically carry homeowners or landlord coverage; lender-required NFIP flood insurance applies to parcels within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Withlacoochee River corridor.

Dade City does not impose a city-specific overnight occupancy cap on short-term rentals. Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) preempts cities from adopting STR-specific occupancy ordinances after June 1, 2011 unless grandfathered. State DBPR vacation rental licensing under FS 509.241 applies, and standard building/fire occupancy limits (Florida Building Code, NFPA 101) govern total persons per dwelling.

Dade City does not have a specific short-term rental ordinance. Florida's 2011 state preemption (FL §509.032) prevents local governments from banning vacation rentals unless a pre-2011 ordinance existed. STR operators must obtain a Florida DBPR license and register with the Pasco County Tax Collector for Tourist Development Tax.

No STR-specific noise rules exist in Dade City. The general noise ordinance (Chapter 42, Art. II) applies to all properties including vacation rentals. FL §877.03 provides additional enforcement for unreasonable noise disturbances.

Short-term rentals in Dade City are subject to Pasco County's 5% Tourist Development Tax, Florida's 6% sales tax, and 1% county surtax. Total tax rate is approximately 12%. Tax is collected and remitted to the Pasco County Tax Collector.

No STR-specific parking rules exist in Dade City. Standard residential parking regulations from the Land Development Regulations apply. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces in residential areas.

Both the owner and the management company of a Pasco County short-term rental are held jointly and severally responsible for violations, and under F.S. 125.69 each violation is punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or up to 60 days in jail, with every day of violation a separate offense.

Dade City follows SWFWMD water restrictions. Lawn irrigation is limited to one day per week under the current Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order. Watering hours are restricted to 6 PM–8 AM for potable water and midnight–8 AM for reclaimed water. Note: wastewater capacity is currently fully allocated in Dade City.

Tree removal in Dade City is subject to both city LDR standards and Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance (Section 802). Heritage trees (live oaks 34"+ diameter, Southern magnolias 24"+) require $150/inch mitigation. Standard trees require $75/inch. Palm trees were recently added to the heritage classification.

Dade City enforces property maintenance standards including grass and weed height limits through code enforcement. Overgrown vegetation is addressed as a nuisance. The city may abate violations and lien the property for costs.

Tree trimming and removal in Dade City are regulated through the Land Development Regulations. Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance (Section 802) also applies, requiring mitigation fees of $75 per inch of trunk diameter for standard trees and $150 per inch for heritage trees.

Pasco County Code Section 42-1 prohibits weeds, brush, and undergrowth exceeding 12 inches and any noxious material that harbors snakes, rodents, insects, or vermin, becomes a mosquito breeding place, or creates a fire hazard, on lots in unincorporated areas of the county.

Pasco County generally permits artificial turf on residential properties. FL §720.3075 and §373.185 limit HOA restrictions on water-conserving landscape, which may include synthetic turf. Drainage and heat-island considerations apply.

Pasco County encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping under FL §373.185, which prohibits HOAs and local governments from preventing property owners from using drought-tolerant native plants. SWFWMD rebates support water-wise yards.

Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Pasco County. Florida has no state-level restrictions. SWFWMD offers rebates through the WaterMatters program. HOAs cannot ban Florida-friendly landscaping per FL §373.185.

Fireworks in Dade City are governed by Florida Statute Chapter 791. FL HB 1059 (2020) legalized consumer fireworks on July 4th, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Cities cannot ban fireworks on these designated holidays. The city's Fire Prevention chapter addresses public display permits.

Outdoor burning in Dade City is regulated by the city's Fire Prevention chapter and Florida Forest Service guidelines. Eastern Pasco County's rural agricultural character means burn authorizations are available through the Florida Department of Agriculture for land clearing and agricultural purposes. The Florida Forest Service issues burn authorizations.

Recreational fire pits in Dade City must comply with the city's Fire Prevention code and Florida Fire Prevention Code. Fires must be contained in an approved fire pit and maintained at safe distances from structures. Recreational burning of vegetative debris and untreated wood in contained devices is permitted under state rules.

Backyard recreational fires (campfires and warming fires) are allowed in unincorporated Pasco County under Florida Forest Service rule 5I-2.006(11) without a burn authorization, but only vegetative debris and untreated wood may be burned and the fire must be attended at all times. Pasco County Fire Rescue adds that you should never leave a fire unattended, keep a water hose or shovel handy, and not burn on windy days.

Florida does not use California-style wildfire hazard zones, but Pasco County has significant wildland-urban interface risk. Florida Forest Service issues burn bans during drought, and Firewise USA defensible space practices are recommended rather than mandated in most of the county.

Pasco County fire code requires vegetation management around structures, especially in wildland-urban interface areas of east Pasco (Dade City, San Antonio, Zephyrhills). Florida Forest Service oversees wildfire response during the October-May dry season.

Florida regulates propane (LP-gas) storage, transport, and installation uniformly under Chapter 527 and the Florida Fire Prevention Code, preempting inconsistent local rules.

Dade City enforces the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). At least one approved safety feature is required: pool barrier, safety cover, door/window alarms, or door self-closing devices. Failure to comply is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Swimming pool barriers in Dade City must comply with Florida Building Code and the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). Barriers must be at least 48 inches high. Building permits are required through the Dade City Building Department, including electric diagrams if electrical work is involved.

The City of Dade City requires a building permit for any swimming pool, including above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches, issued through the Dade City Building Department. All residential pools — in-ground or above-ground — must comply with the Florida Building Code Residential Chapter 45 (Private Swimming Pools) and the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 515) for barriers and alarms.

Pasco County requires electrical and building permits for hot tub and spa installations. Pool safety barrier rules under FL §515 apply unless a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is used.

Construction or renovation of any in-ground or above-ground pool, spa, or hot tub in unincorporated Pasco County requires a building permit from Building Construction Services. In-ground pools need engineered drawings signed and sealed by a Florida-licensed architect or engineer, and every application must include a completed Swimming Pool, Spa and/or Hot Tub Safety Act affidavit identifying the barrier to be used.

Exotic pet ownership in Dade City is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Class I wildlife is prohibited as pets, Class II requires a permit and experience, and Class III species need only a no-cost license.

Dade City falls under Pasco County animal control regulations. Dogs must be leashed or under control when off the owner's property. Pasco County prohibits tethering dogs without direct human supervision and visual contact. A two-point restraint or crate is required for dogs in pickup truck beds.

Beekeeping is permitted in Dade City under Florida state preemption (FL §586). Beekeepers must register with FDACS and follow Best Management Practices. Up to 3 colonies are allowed on lots of one-quarter acre or less.

Dade City cannot enforce breed-specific legislation. Florida Statute §767.14 preempts all local breed-specific dog regulations statewide. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under FL §767.01-767.04.

On a typical Pasco County single-family residential lot (5,000 sq ft up to 22,000 sq ft), the Land Development Code allows the keeping of no more than three dogs and/or three cats, with the total number of those animals not to exceed six; keeping four or more dogs or cats generally moves the use into the kennel category.

Pasco County Ordinance 25-44 created Land Development Code Section 530.25, effective November 12, 2025, allowing residents to keep backyard chickens (hens only, for egg production) in most residential districts, with no permit required; the detailed limits in Chapter 14 cap most households at four hens, prohibit roosters, and set coop standards.

Pasco County Code Sec. 14-100 requires that all dogs and cats over four months of age that are sold, adopted, transferred, or returned to an owner after stray impound be microchipped, with the owner registering the chip in a national registry and providing the number to Animal Services.

Pasco County Code Sec. 14-108 bans retail pet stores from selling, delivering, or giving away dogs, cats, or rabbits, and prohibits sales of these animals on public streets, rights-of-way, flea markets, parking lots, and open-air venues; rescue and shelter adoptions are exempt.

Florida law prohibits feeding alligators, bears, sandhill cranes, and foxes under FL §379.412 and FWC rules. Pasco County enforces state wildlife feeding bans; intentional feeding of alligators is a 2nd degree misdemeanor.

Home-based businesses in Dade City must not generate excessive traffic inconsistent with residential character. The LDR limits walk-up traffic in residential areas. Florida's preemption allows customer visits but the business must remain secondary to residential use.

Home-based businesses in Dade City are governed by the Land Development Regulations (Article 4 use table) and Florida's home-based business preemption (FL §559.955). At-home businesses like e-commerce or professional work without client visits are generally permissible. The code limits walk-up traffic to preserve residential character.

Home business signage in Dade City is restricted under the Land Development Regulations and Florida's home-based business statute (FL §559.955), which prohibits visible external evidence of business activity from the street. Commercial signage is regulated separately.

Home daycare in Pasco County is regulated by DCF under FL §402.313. Family day care homes serving up to 10 children must register or be licensed. Local zoning permits home daycare in residential districts with conditions.

No Pasco County-specific ordinance directly regulates cottage food operations; Florida Statute 500.80 preempts local regulation of cottage food, so the county may not prohibit or regulate a home cottage food operation that complies with state law, though it must still meet the home-based business conditions of Fla. Stat. 559.955.

In unincorporated Pasco County, minor home occupations are permitted as-of-right in designated zoning districts, while uses that exceed the minor thresholds (such as generating customer trips) require a Special Exception approved by the Planning Commission under Land Development Code Section 530.21. Florida Statute 559.955 also limits how the county may regulate a qualifying home-based business.

Dade City permits fences up to 6 feet behind the front plane of the residence. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet with at least 50% opacity. Corner lots have special considerations with double-frontage treatment. Fence regulations are detailed in LDR Article 6 (Section 6.3).

Fence permits in Dade City depend on construction type. Standard residential fences may not require a permit, but fences with masonry columns or exceeding certain thresholds require a building permit. All fences must comply with setback requirements from the Land Development Regulations.

Dade City follows Florida's spite fence statute (FL §823.11). There is no shared-cost requirement under Florida law. Fences must be built on the property owner's land. LDR Article 6 includes standards for fence appearance and maintenance.

Pasco County requires building permits for retaining walls over 3 feet in height or walls retaining surcharge loads. Engineered plans by a Florida-licensed PE required over 4 feet per Florida Building Code.

Pasco County enforces the FL Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). All residential pools must have a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates or an approved alternative such as pool alarms or child-safe covers.

In residential areas of unincorporated Pasco County, gates, fences, and walls that are electrified or built of corrugated metal, sheet aluminum, barbed wire, or similar materials are prohibited. The finished side of the fence must face the adjoining lot or right-of-way.

Construction noise in Dade City is governed by the general noise ordinance (Chapter 42, Art. II). Construction must comply with the city's noise standards. Building permits are required for all construction through the Dade City Building Department.

Barking dogs in Dade City fall under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 42) and Pasco County animal control regulations. Pasco County Code §14-98 prohibits animals that unreasonably annoy humans or interfere with peaceful enjoyment of property. Pasco County Animal Services handles complaints.

Dade City regulates noise under Chapter 42, Article II (Sections 42-31 through 42-36), amended by Ordinance 2021-18. The ordinance addresses excessive and continuous noise as a hazard to health, safety, and welfare. It includes both objective noise level standards and a nuisance-based approach for chronic recurring complaints.

Pasco County Code § 66-97 prohibits sound from sound amplifiers, loudspeakers, juke boxes, radios, and similar devices received in a residential district between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. For amplified sound from a vehicle, Florida Statute § 316.3045 makes it unlawful statewide for the sound to be plainly audible 25 feet or more from the vehicle.

No Pasco County-specific ordinance regulates aircraft noise, because federal law preempts the field. Congress vests the United States with exclusive sovereignty over U.S. airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103, and the Supreme Court held in City of Burbank v. Lockheed Air Terminal (1973) that local aircraft-noise curfews are preempted.

Pasco County has no leaf blower-specific ordinance. General noise rules under Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 apply. Gas blowers are permitted year-round outside quiet hours, with heavy landscaping activity in Wesley Chapel master-planned communities and New Port Richey.

Dade City manages street parking in its historic downtown and antiques district. Time-limited parking applies in the downtown area. The Kumquat Festival and other events create periodic increased parking demand in the small-town center.

Dade City restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential areas through its Land Development Regulations. Large commercial vehicles are generally not permitted for overnight storage in residential neighborhoods.

Dade City regulates RV and recreational vehicle parking through Land Development Regulations Article 6 (Development Standards), which includes a section on parking of certain vehicles and major recreational equipment. RVs may not be used for dwelling purposes on residential lots.

Dade City requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces in residential areas. Parking on grass or unpaved areas is subject to code enforcement action. Driveway design standards are addressed in the Land Development Regulations.

Unincorporated Pasco County imposes no general overnight on-street parking ban for ordinary vehicles, but Land Development Code Section 530.5 makes it unlawful at any time to use a parked RV for residential purposes (including sleeping overnight) on residential property, and no RV may be stored on the right-of-way.

Pasco County prohibits abandoned, wrecked, or inoperable vehicles on public or private property. Vehicles without current registration or left 72+ hours on public ROW may be tagged, towed, and disposed of under FL §715.05 and county code.

Pasco County permits residential and commercial EV charging installations via standard electrical permits. FL §163.04 prohibits HOAs from banning EV chargers. Florida Building Code governs station placement and ADA access.

Dade City has flood risk areas primarily associated with the Withlacoochee River basin and local drainage systems. The city participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Eastern Pasco County generally has less coastal storm surge risk than western areas but faces riverine flooding from heavy summer rainfall.

Pasco County requires erosion and sediment control BMPs on all land-disturbing activities per LDC Chapter 900 and state NPDES CGP (FDEP). Silt fence, stabilized construction entrances, and inlet protection required; sites over 1 acre need a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Pasco County enforces strict stormwater management under LDC Chapter 900 and SWFWMD ERP rules. New development requires on-site retention/detention sized for 25-year/24-hour storm with no net increase in peak runoff. MS4 permit (FDEP) governs illicit discharges.

Pasco's Gulf coast (Hudson, Aripeka, Gulf Harbors) is subject to the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) under F.S. Ch. 161, FEMA V/VE zones, and LDC Coastal High Hazard Area rules. Seaward construction needs FDEP CCCL permit; Anclote River and Gulf shoreline face habitat and mangrove (F.S. Ch. 403.9321) protections.

Pasco County requires a site development permit for grading/filling per LDC Chapter 900. Drainage cannot be diverted onto neighbors (common-law nuisance plus code violation). Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineered design and a building permit per Florida Building Code.

Pasco County food trucks need a Florida DBPR mobile food dispensing vehicle license (or DOACS for packaged foods) plus Pasco County business tax receipt. FL §509.102 preempts most local permit mandates but location and zoning rules still apply.

Pasco County restricts food truck operations by zoning district. FL §509.102 blocks local 'mobile vendor' permits but counties still control where trucks park. Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, and Trinity commercial parking lots are common host sites.

Pasco County generally permits residential holiday decorations without permits. Displays must not block sidewalks, traffic sight lines, or create fire/electrical hazards. Inflatables should be secured for hurricane-zone wind. HOA CC&Rs may impose stricter date and style limits.

Pasco County permits small temporary garage sale signs (typically 4-6 sq ft) on private property only. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, or in the public right-of-way are prohibited under LDC Ch. 504 and removed without notice. Must be taken down within 24 hours after sale.

Pasco County LDC Ch. 504 allows temporary political signs on private property (typically up to 6 sq ft residential, 32 sq ft non-residential). Signs in public right-of-way prohibited. Content-neutral regulation required per Reed v. Gilbert (2015). Signs must be removed within 7 days after election.

Commercial drone operators in Pasco County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Controlled airspace from TPA, Tampa Executive, and Zephyrhills Municipal requires LAANC authorization. Real estate, roofing, and agricultural drone use is growing in Pasco.

Pasco County recreational drone use follows FAA rules under 49 USC §44809. Tampa International (TPA), Tampa Executive, and Zephyrhills Municipal create controlled airspace over much of the county. Some Pasco parks restrict launch/landing.

Pasco County residential collection includes scheduled bulk item pickup for furniture, mattresses, and large appliances with refrigerant certified removed. Residents can also self-haul to Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility or the West Pasco Class III Landfill.

Pasco County operates single-stream curbside recycling collecting paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum/steel cans, and plastics #1 and #2. Contaminated carts may be skipped. Florida sets a statewide 75% recycling goal under FL §403.7032.

Pasco County Utilities provides mandatory weekly curbside trash and recycling collection in the unincorporated service area. Residents are assigned specific pickup days with bins out by 6 AM. Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, and Port Richey operate city-level programs.

Pasco County requires trash and recycling carts to be placed curbside with lids closed on collection day and retrieved by the following morning. Carts must be stored out of public view from the street between pickups.

Pasco County has no rent control. Florida Statute §166.043 prohibits local rent control except during a declared housing emergency approved by referendum — a threshold never met in Pasco. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper F.S. Ch. 83 Part II notice.

Pasco follows Florida Chapter 83 Part II eviction procedures. No just-cause requirement — landlords may non-renew month-to-month with 15 days notice (F.S. §83.57). Non-payment requires 3-day notice; lease violations require 7-day cure notice. Self-help eviction is illegal under F.S. §83.67.

Pasco County does not operate a general rental registration or inspection program for long-term residential rentals. Florida HB 1417 (2023) largely preempts local rental-registration schemes. Short-term vacation rentals are regulated separately under F.S. §509.032.

Fla. Stat. § 83.56 requires a 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate for nonpayment, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays from the count. For lease violations, the landlord serves a 7-day notice to cure (or a 7-day unconditional notice for repeat or non-curable violations). Only a court may order eviction through Florida's summary procedure.

Fla. Stat. § 83.51 requires landlords to comply with applicable building, housing, and health codes or keep the structure, plumbing, and (for most multi-unit buildings) heat, running water, hot water, and pest control in working order. Tenants enforce these duties through the § 83.56 seven-day written notice to cure before withholding rent or terminating.

Under Fla. Stat. § 83.53, a Florida landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice to enter for repairs and may enter only at reasonable times, defined as between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. No notice is required in an emergency or to preserve the premises, and access may not be used to harass the tenant.

Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ch. 83, Part II) has no late-fee statute and no cap on late-rent charges. Late fees are governed entirely by the written lease; if the lease is silent, the landlord cannot charge one. Courts will not enforce fees that are punitive rather than a reasonable estimate of damages.

For a month-to-month tenancy, Fla. Stat. § 83.57 now requires at least 30 days' written notice (raised from 15 days by 2023's SB 102). Breaking a fixed-term lease triggers landlord remedies under § 83.595, including a pre-agreed early-termination fee capped at two months' rent. Servicemembers may terminate early under § 83.682.

Florida has no rent control and no statute that sets a maximum rent increase or a dedicated advance-notice period for raising rent. On a month-to-month tenancy, a new rent takes effect only through the termination/change notice in Fla. Stat. § 83.57, which 2023's SB 102 (ch. 2023-314) lengthened from 15 to 30 days.

Florida places no dollar limit on residential security deposits, but it enforces tight deadlines. If the landlord makes no claim, the deposit must be returned within 15 days of move-out. If the landlord intends to keep any part, written certified-mail notice is due within 30 days, and the tenant then has 15 days to object.

Adverse possession in Florida requires 7 years of actual, continued, exclusive possession plus paying all taxes within a year and filing a return with the property appraiser (Fla. Stat. § 95.18). Separately, the 2024 anti-squatter law HB 621 (Fla. Stat. § 82.036) lets owners have a sheriff remove unauthorized occupants within hours, without a lawsuit.

Pasco County requires a building and electrical permit for residential solar PV installations through Pasco Building Construction Services. Permits processed per Florida Building Code and F.S. §553.791 expedited solar review (30-day clock). Roof fire setbacks per FBC required. HOA bans limited by F.S. §163.04.

Florida Statute §163.04 preempts HOA solar bans. Pasco HOAs and deed restrictions cannot prohibit rooftop solar panels or impose conditions that significantly increase cost or reduce efficiency. Reasonable placement rules allowed — HOA may specify roof face if solar access is preserved.

Pasco County enforces posted 'No Soliciting' and 'No Trespassing' signs. Permitted solicitors who ignore signs face citations under Pasco Code Chapter 58. Residents can also rely on Florida's 'Do Not Call' list (FL §501.059) for phone solicitation.

Pasco County Code Chapter 58 requires door-to-door commercial solicitors to register with the county, undergo a background check, and carry a visible ID badge. Soliciting hours typically end at dusk. Religious and political canvassers are exempt under the First Amendment.

Pasco LDC §400 limits residential heights to 35 ft / 2.5 stories in R-1/R-2 districts. Coastal and airport overlays (Tampa Executive, Zephyrhills) further restrict per FAA Part 77 and FBC wind requirements.

Pasco LDC §402 caps impervious surface coverage at 40-65% depending on zoning. Floodplain and SWFWMD wetland rules add stormwater requirements. New construction must mitigate runoff under LDC §901.

Pasco County Land Development Code (LDC) §400 sets setbacks by zoning district. Typical R-2 single-family: 25 ft front, 7.5 ft side, 20 ft rear. Coastal high-hazard and floodway setbacks add FEMA and SWFWMD requirements.

Pasco County parks close sunset to sunrise under Code of Ordinances Ch. 50 (Parks and Recreation). After-hours presence is trespass per FL §810.09. Sheriff and park rangers enforce; scheduled events may extend hours.

Pasco County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.

Pasco LDC §603 requires a tree removal permit for protected trees 4 inches DBH and larger, or any live oak, cypress, or pine 6 inch+ DBH. FL §163.045 allows removal of trees a certified arborist deems a danger without permit.

Pasco LDC §603 designates Specimen trees (24 inch+ DBH live oak, cypress, longleaf pine, magnolia) with the highest protection. Removal requires BCC approval and 3:1 mitigation except under FL §163.045 danger exemption.

Pasco LDC §603.5 requires 1:1 to 3:1 tree replacement when permitted trees are removed. Minimum 2 inch caliper Florida-friendly species. Fee-in-lieu paid to Pasco County Tree Bank when on-site planting infeasible.

Pasco County does not require a permit for residential garage sales in unincorporated areas. Code Ch. 38 limits frequency and signage. Cities within Pasco (New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Port Richey) have their own rules.

Pasco County allows garage sales during daylight hours, typically 7 or 8 AM to 6 PM or sunset. Noise must comply with Code §90-39. Signs must be removed within 24-48 hours of sale end.

Pasco County Code Ch. 38 limits residential garage sales to 3-4 per household per year, each lasting 2-3 consecutive days. Exceeding the limit triggers home-business zoning review under LDC §531.

Pasco County does not have a snow removal ordinance. Snow is extremely rare on the Tampa Bay Gulf Coast. Property owners must keep sidewalks clear of debris, vegetation, and storm damage under Code Ch. 46.

Pasco County Code Ch. 46 property maintenance rules apply to garage sales. Merchandise must be organized, removed from public view after sale hours, and signs taken down within 24-48 hours to avoid blight citations.

Pasco County enforces property maintenance standards under the Land Development Code and Code Enforcement Ordinance to prevent blight. Deteriorated structures, accumulated debris, and unsecured vacant buildings trigger notices with 10 to 30 day compliance deadlines and daily fines.

Pasco County Solid Waste requires trash and recycling carts to be set out no earlier than 6 PM the night before collection and retrieved by the end of collection day. Bins must be stored out of public view.

Pasco County requires vacant lot owners to control overgrowth, remove trash, and prevent nuisances. Grass and weeds over 18 inches on lots adjacent to improved properties violate Ch. 66; county mows non-compliant lots and liens costs to the owner.

Pasco County LDC §603 lighting standards require full-cutoff fixtures for new commercial and multifamily development. Coastal areas near turtle nesting beaches (Anclote Key, Gulf coast) must use FWC-approved turtle-safe lighting during nesting season (May 1-Oct 31) per F.A.C. 68E-1.

Pasco County LDC §603 limits light trespass to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Enforcement is complaint-driven through Pasco Code Enforcement. Security floodlights must be aimed and shielded to illuminate only the owner's property.

Pasco County permits state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) in C-2 commercial zones with pharmacy-equivalent standards per FL §381.986(11). Local zoning cannot ban MMTCs if pharmacies are allowed.

Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Pasco County for all residents including medical patients. Florida §381.986 permits medical use only and prohibits patient cultivation. Recreational remains a criminal offense under Ch. 893.

Florida Statute 218.077 prohibits local governments from establishing a minimum wage other than the state or federal rate, preempting city and county living-wage ordinances except for direct local government employees.

Florida Statute 218.077 and 448.110 framework, combined with FS 125.01045 and 166.04151 limits, preempt local mandates requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave or other employment benefits beyond state law.

Florida Statute 509.032(7) and broader employment preemption framework prevent local governments from requiring private employers to follow predictive or fair-scheduling rules beyond state and federal law.

Florida allows permitless concealed carry of firearms by law-abiding adults under FS 790.01 and continues to issue concealed weapon licenses through FS 790.06, with both regimes preempting local concealed-carry restrictions.

Florida Statute 790.33 expressly preempts the entire field of firearm and ammunition regulation to the state, voiding all local ordinances and imposing personal civil penalties on local officials who knowingly enact or enforce conflicting rules.

Florida's open carry ban (FS 790.053) was struck down by the First District Court of Appeal in McDaniels v. State on September 10, 2025. The Florida Attorney General issued guidance on September 15, 2025 instructing law enforcement that the ban is no longer enforceable. Eligible adults may now openly carry firearms statewide.

Florida Statute 790.25(5) allows any law-abiding person 18 or older to possess a concealed firearm in a private vehicle for self-defense, provided the firearm is securely encased or not readily accessible for immediate use, regardless of any concealed-carry license.

Under Fla. Stat. § 720.3085, unpaid assessments become a lien on a parcel, and the homeowners' association may foreclose like a mortgage. Before recording the lien the association must send a 45-day written notice by certified and first-class mail, and a second 45-day notice is required before foreclosure can begin.

Under Fla. Stat. § 720.303(2), Florida HOA board meetings must be open to members with notice posted at least 48 hours ahead. Section 720.306 governs member meetings and elections, § 720.303(4)-(5) gives members the right to inspect official records within 10 business days, and HB 1203 added website transparency rules for larger associations.

Under Fla. Stat. §§ 720.303 and 720.3035, a Florida HOA enforces its recorded covenants and architectural standards, but only where authority is stated or reasonably inferred in the governing documents, and standards must be applied reasonably and equitably to all owners. HB 1203 added new limits and written-denial transparency rules effective July 1, 2024.

Under Fla. Stat. § 720.305, a Florida HOA may fine up to $100 per violation and $1,000 in the aggregate unless the governing documents allow more. The association must give at least 14 days' written notice and a hearing before a committee of at least three members, who must approve the fine by majority vote.

Florida law overrides HOA covenants on several fronts: Fla. Stat. § 163.04 voids any deed restriction prohibiting solar collectors, § 720.304(2) protects display of the U.S. flag, and HB 1203 protects vegetable gardens and other items not visible from the frontage. Section 604.71 separately bars cities and counties from regulating residential vegetable gardens.

Florida Statute 448.095 requires every private employer with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization for new hires beginning July 1, 2023, with public agencies and contractors subject to broader requirements.

Senate Bill 168 (2019), codified at FS 908.103 and 908.104, prohibits sanctuary policies in Florida and requires every state and local law enforcement agency to use best efforts to support federal immigration enforcement and honor ICE detainer requests.

Florida Statutes 823.14 and 163.3162 restrict local governments from adopting zoning rules that inhibit established farms on agriculturally classified land, preserving agricultural uses against incompatible local regulation.

Florida Statute 823.14, the Florida Right to Farm Act, protects established bona fide farm operations from nuisance suits and local ordinances that would inhibit standard agricultural practices conducted in good faith.

Florida Statute 403.7033 preempts the regulation of disposable plastic bags by local governments, prohibiting cities and counties from enacting bans or fees on retailers pending a legislative review that has not occurred.

Florida Statute 500.90 preempts the regulation of polystyrene products by local governments, blocking cities and counties from banning expanded polystyrene foam food containers, cups, and similar items.

Florida Statute 403.7033 and related law impose a moratorium on enforcement of municipal plastic straw bans, requiring DEP study before any local prohibition can take effect, effectively preempting current ordinances.

Florida Statute 569.101 prohibits the sale or delivery of tobacco and nicotine products to persons under 21, aligning with federal law and applying uniformly statewide with local preemption under FS 386.2125.

Florida Statute 386.2125 preempts local regulation of nicotine products and dispensing devices, blocking cities and counties from banning flavored e-cigarettes, menthol, or other flavored tobacco at the retail level.

Florida Statute 386.2125 expressly preempts the regulation of nicotine products, nicotine dispensing devices, and vape retailing to the state, voiding most municipal ordinances on electronic cigarettes and vape shops.