Hillsborough County, FL Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 38-24(4)
- Banned zones
- Athletic areas, trails, dog parks, buildings
- Enforced by
- Law enforcement and park officials
- Penalty basis
- F.S. § 125.69 via Sec. 38-36(c)
Summary
Smoking any substance is banned in Hillsborough County park athletic areas, nature trails, nature areas, dog parks, inside County buildings, and any other park facility the County posts as smoke-free.
Smoking. No person shall smoke any substance in any areas of the parks or park facilities designated as athletic facilities, nature trails, nature areas, dog parks, inside County buildings or in any park facilities where smoking is prohibited.
(5) Noise. No person shall make such loud, excessive or unnecessary noise so as to create a nuisance in any park. Noise shall be considered a nuisance where it produces actual physical discomfort or annoyance to persons of ordinary sensibilities.
(6) Loitering or prowling. No person shall loiter or prowl in or around any parks, park property or park areas including, but not limited to, playgrounds, play equipment, restrooms, dressing rooms, bathhouses, picnic shelter areas, parking areas, wooded or natural undeveloped areas. Such loitering and prowling behavior shall be interpreted in accordance with F.S. § 856.021.
(7) Lewd and lascivious behavior. No person shall engage in or participate in any lewd and lascivious behavior while in the parks or on park property. The term "lewd and lascivious" behavior shall have the meanings set forth in F.S. Chs. 798 and 800.
(8) Use of restrooms or facilities designated for the opposite sex. No person over the age of six shall occupy or enter any restroom, dressing room, bathhouse, or other park structure or facility which is reserved or designated by the Department for the
Full Breakdown
The county parks ordinance bans smoking any substance in specific park zones: athletic facilities, nature trails, nature areas, dog parks, and inside County buildings, plus any other park facility the Parks Department posts as off-limits to smoking. The rule sits inside the broader list of prohibited park activities and is enforced by law enforcement officers and park officials across every County-operated park and park property in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
Violations & Fines
Smoking in a posted no-smoking park zone violates the parks ordinance; under Sec. 38-36(c) it is punishable as a County ordinance violation under F.S. § 125.69, carrying up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke anywhere in a Hillsborough County park?
What's the penalty for smoking in a banned park zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida public conduct overview
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