Before You Build in Hillsborough County, FL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Fence permits are required in unincorporated Hillsborough County for any fence over 6 feet, all pool barrier fences, and any fence in a flood zone. Fences under 6 feet in non-flood-zone residential lots are permit-exempt.

Pool barriers in Hillsborough County must comply with FL §515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act): 48-inch minimum height, self-closing self-latching gates, and at least one additional safety feature.

In unincorporated Hillsborough County, retaining walls are regulated under Land Development Code Part 6.07.00 (Fences and Walls) for setback and dimensional standards and under the Construction Code (County Code Chapter 8 / 2023 Florida Building Code) for permitting and engineering. A retaining wall must be shown on the residential site plan whenever there is an existing-to-proposed grade differential, and grading must either match the county-approved subdivision lot grading plan, be supported by plans signed and sealed by a Florida-registered Professional Engineer, or use the NO FILL Attestation. Hillsborough County Building Services issues the permit; the FBC generally requires permits for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, or any wall that retains a surcharge.

Florida has no shared-cost fence law. FL §823.11 prohibits spite fences erected maliciously. Each owner is responsible for their own fence in Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County Land Development Code §6.01.03 caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle restrictions.

Hillsborough County requires building permits for all in-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. FL Building Code Chapter 4 and FL 515 Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act apply.

Hot tubs and spas with safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from pool barrier requirements under FL 515.29. Permit required for installation.

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require Hillsborough building permit and full FL 515 barrier compliance. Removable ladders alone are NOT sufficient barrier.

Hillsborough pools must comply with FL 515 and Florida Building Code. Anti-entrapment VGB drains, pool alarms or alternative safety features, GFCI electrical, and barrier-compliant enclosures mandatory.

FL 515.27 requires 48-inch barrier around all residential pools. Self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward. Latches 54 inches high. Hillsborough County enforces via building permit and code enforcement.

Hillsborough County allows accessory dwelling units as Guest Houses and Accessory Living Quarters in most residential districts subject to size, occupancy, and family-member limits under the Land Development Code. Agricultural districts permit farm worker housing. Full independent ADU rentals are restricted.

Converting a garage to living space in Hillsborough County requires a full building permit, structural and electrical upgrades, replacement covered parking equivalent to zoning minimums, and HOA approval where applicable. Converted garages must meet egress, ceiling height, and energy code.

Carports in Hillsborough County require building permits and must meet 140 mph wind load standards, setbacks, and architectural standards. Attached carports follow principal structure setbacks, while detached carports must observe accessory structure setbacks, typically 7 feet rear and 5 feet side.

Sheds in unincorporated Hillsborough County under 150 square feet and 8 feet tall are exempt from building permit but must meet setbacks and Florida Building Code wind load standards. Larger sheds require permits and must be anchored to resist 140 mph winds. Rear setback is typically 7 feet.

Tiny homes on foundations in Hillsborough County must meet the Florida Building Code and minimum dwelling size in the Land Development Code, generally 600 square feet minimum in most RSC districts. Park-model RVs are restricted to licensed RV parks. Movable tiny homes are not permitted as primary residences on standard lots.

Open burning of yard waste in unincorporated Hillsborough County requires a Florida Forest Service authorization and must follow FAC 5I-2. Piles must be under 8 feet, set back 25 feet from woods and 50 feet from structures, and attended at all times. Burning household trash is prohibited.

Hillsborough County permits residential fire pits under Fire Rescue rules when kept small, contained, and at least 15 feet from structures. Portable propane and natural gas units are generally allowed on patios. Wood-burning pits require supervision and a water source on hand, with burn bans suspending use during drought.

Residential tree removal on single-family parcels is preempted by FL 163.045 when documented by an arborist. Hillsborough County still regulates removal of grand trees, protected species, and trees on commercial, multifamily, and undeveloped parcels through the Land Development Code.

Hillsborough County tree trimming on residential single-family parcels is largely deregulated by FL 163.045, which preempts local permit and documentation requirements when a licensed arborist or landscape architect certifies the tree poses a danger. Commercial and grand tree rules still apply.

Hillsborough County falls within the Southwest Florida Water Management District SWFWMD Year-Round Water Conservation Measures. Residential irrigation is limited to one day per week in winter and two days per week in spring and summer based on house address, before 10 AM or after 4 PM.