Safety Harbor, FL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Only stormwater may enter storm drains
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 60 days jail
- Enforcement
- City can order immediate stop-discharge
- Also available
- Civil injunctive relief in court
- Citation
- City Code § 24.69
Summary
Safety Harbor's stormwater ordinance bans any discharge into the municipal storm sewer system that is not pure stormwater, covering pool water, yard waste, sewage, and industrial waste, with violations subject to fines and injunctive action.
(a)Except as set forth under subsection (c) or as in accordance with a valid NPDES permit, any discharge to the stormwater system that is not composed entirely of stormwater is prohibited.(b)Any discharge to the storm water system containing any sewage, industrial waste, chlorinated or contaminated pool water, yard waste, grass clippings, or other waste materials, or containing any materials in violation of federal, state, county, municipal, or other laws, rules, regulations, orders of permits, is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65 | Land Development Code: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 24.69 of the city code, only stormwater may enter Safety Harbor's storm sewer system. Sewage, chlorinated or contaminated pool water, yard waste, grass clippings, and any material violating federal, state, county, or municipal law are all barred, with narrow carve-outs for things like landscape irrigation runoff and dechlorinated pool water. The public works director can order anyone to immediately stop a prohibited discharge, and the ban applies retroactively to connections made before the rule existed, regardless of what permits or practices were in place when they were built.
Violations & Fines
Violating the stormwater discharge ban is punishable by up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail under Section 1.12, and the city can also seek injunctive relief in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in the driveway in Safety Harbor?
Can I drain a chlorinated pool into the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Safety Harbor
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Safety Harbor to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle stormwater management.