Tampa has outdoor lighting standards in its zoning code that require shielded fixtures and limit light spillover for commercial and industrial development. While not a comprehensive dark sky ordinance, these standards address glare and light pollution from new development.
Tampa's zoning code requires outdoor lighting for commercial and industrial projects to be fully shielded and directed downward. Maximum illumination levels at property lines are specified to protect adjacent residential areas. Sea turtle nesting season (May through October) brings additional lighting restrictions for properties near Tampa Bay beaches — lights visible from the beach must be shielded or turned off per Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules. Residential lighting is subject to nuisance provisions.
Non-compliant commercial lighting may result in code enforcement citations. Lighting that disturbs sea turtle nesting is a violation of state law with significant penalties. Residential light nuisance complaints are handled through code enforcement.
Tampa, FL
Tampa City Code Chapter 14, Article III, Sec. 14-151 caps residential noise at 55 dBA between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM and 60 dBA daytime, measured at the receiv...
Tampa, FL
Tampa has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Tampa Code Chapter 19 (Nuisances) addresses general ...
Tampa, FL
Tampa has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, anchoring, lighting, and blower-motor noise are governed by HOA and con...
Tampa, FL
Tampa has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday lighting timing, brightness, or animation. Holiday displays are governed almost entirely by HOA and condo...
Tampa, FL
Tampa requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens with gas piping, plumbing, electrical wiring, or roofed structures. Standalone freestanding gri...
Tampa, FL
Tampa has no specific city ordinance restricting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Severe persistent smoke could theoretically be addr...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Hillsborough County.
See how other cities in Hillsborough County handle dark sky rules.
See how Tampa's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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