Hillsborough County, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Declared local, state, or federal emergency
- Access granted
- Private roads and rights-of-way
- Coverage area
- Unincorporated Hillsborough County only
- Authority
- Ord. No. 96-34; Ord. No. 18-16
Summary
Once a state of emergency is declared, Hillsborough County can enter private roads and rights-of-way in the unincorporated area to clear disaster debris, and can direct its franchise hauler to remove storm-generated excess solid waste.
When a local, State or Federal state of emergency has been declared, the County has the authority to access private roads and private rights-of-way in unincorporated Hillsborough County for the removal of disaster debris to eliminate any immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the County and to promote the economic recovery of the community at large.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 130-24 of the Public Utilities code gives the County two emergency powers: during a hurricane, tropical storm, or other calamity it may require the franchise collector to remove and dispose of excess solid waste, reducing or modifying regular service until normal collection resumes; and once a local, state, or federal emergency is declared, County crews and contractors may access private roads and private rights-of-way in unincorporated Hillsborough County to remove disaster debris and eliminate immediate threats to health and safety. This applies only outside Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 130-24 itself sets no resident penalty, but it sits within the same article as Sec. 130-23's general enforcement powers: obstructing authorized debris crews or dumping/burning debris without a County or state permit can draw a Code Enforcement Board referral and civil remedies under that section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the county remove debris from my private road after a hurricane without asking first?
Does my regular trash pickup change after a storm?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview
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