Tampa property owners must keep premises free of rodent harborage under Code Ch. 19 (Garbage) and Ch. 17.5 (Code Enforcement). Hillsborough County Health investigates infestations tied to public health risk.
Under Tampa Code Ch. 19, garbage must be stored in tight, fly-proof, rodent-resistant containers. Property maintenance provisions in Ch. 17.5 require owners to eliminate conditions that attract or harbor rats, including overgrown vegetation, accumulated debris, and unsealed structures. Code Enforcement officers inspect on complaint and can issue notices of violation. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County investigates rodent-borne disease concerns and can coordinate with Code Enforcement. Restaurants and food establishments face additional rodent-control rules under DBPR inspection. Repeat violations can be referred to the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.
Initial notice gives a compliance deadline (typically 10 to 30 days). Continued violations carry fines up to $250 per day for first offenses and $500 per day for repeats.
Tampa, FL
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Tampa, FL
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See how Tampa's rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
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