Hillsborough County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture type
- Cutoff-type fixtures required
- Applies to
- Non-residential, multi-family, shared amenity lighting
- Certification
- PE sign-off before occupancy
- Citation
- Sec. 6.10.02.B, LDC
Summary
Hillsborough County requires all outdoor light fixtures on non-residential and multi-family projects to be full cutoff type, shielded to control glare and confine light within the site under the Land Development Code's exterior lighting standards.
All light fixtures shall be cutoff type unless specific authorization for use of another type of fixture is provided in this Part. Fixtures shall be equipped with shields if required in order to meet the requirements of 6.10.02.A.
Supp. No. 24 VI-104.2 DESIGN STANDARDS AND IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS § 6.10.03
2. Floodlights may be permitted in accordance with Sections 6.10.03.F. and 6.10.03.G. provided that all floodlights shall be fitted with internal or external shielding and/or louvers. Floodlights shall be aimed so that the area illuminated is confined within the project boundaries in accordance with Section 6.10.02.A.
C. Luminaires shall be installed in the position recommended by the manufacturer for the intended use provided that the fixture as installed maintains cutoff characteristics.
D. The lamp source shall be compact fluorescent, high pressure sodium, LED, or metal halide with a color rendering index that it is appropriate for the application.
(Ord. No. 04-27, § 2, 6-10-04; Ord. No. 06-18, § 2, 8-1-06; Ord. No. 08-28, § 2, eff. 2-1-09; Ord. No. 09-53, Item X, 6-11-09, eff. 10-1-09)
Full Breakdown
Under Part 6.10.00 of the Land Development Code, every exterior lighting plan submitted for non-residential, multi-family, or shared single-family amenity lighting (clubhouses, entrances, recreation areas) must use cutoff-type fixtures, luminaires that emit no more than 2.5% of their lumen output at or above 90 degrees from straight down, unless the code expressly authorizes another type. Fixtures must carry shields where needed to meet the county's property-line illumination caps. A licensed engineer or utility employee must certify compliance to the Building Services Division before a certificate of occupancy issues. Regular fixture maintenance is exempt; upgrading 50% or more of a system triggers full compliance.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant lighting blocks certificate-of-occupancy approval; the Building Services Division withholds sign-off until a professional engineer certifies the installed system meets Part 6.10.00's cutoff and shielding standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cutoff-fixture rule apply to my house?
What counts as a cutoff fixture?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
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