Hillsborough County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Property-line limit near homes
- 1.0 footcandle max
- Limit near non-residential uses
- 2.0 footcandle max
- Fixture type
- Cutoff fixtures required, shielded as needed
- Scope
- Non-residential, multi-family, common single-family improvements only
- Individual homes
- Not covered by this Part
Summary
Hillsborough County limits outdoor lighting on non-residential, multi-family, and shared single-family development areas to 1.0 footcandle at property lines next to homes, requiring cutoff fixtures and shielding to stop glare from spilling onto neighboring residential land.
Illumination values at the property line of a project shall not be more than 1.0 f.c. at any point when the project is located next to any residential use or residentially zoned property. The illumination values at the property line of a project adjacent to any other use shall not be more than 2.0 f.c. ... 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.
Full Breakdown
The county's Land Development Code Part 6.10 requires all light fixtures on covered projects to be cutoff type and shielded so illumination at a property line abutting residential use or residentially zoned land does not exceed 1.0 footcandle (2.0 f.c. next to non-residential uses). Floodlights need internal or external shielding and must be aimed to stay within project boundaries. The Part applies to non-residential, multi-family, and common single-family development improvements such as clubhouses and entrances: it does not reach an individual homeowner's own security floodlight on a single-family lot, which unincorporated Hillsborough leaves unregulated.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant lighting on covered projects must be corrected before Building Services Division issues a Certificate of Occupancy or final electrical approval; a professional engineer must certify compliance first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to my house's security light?
How bright can lighting be at my property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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