Hillsborough County, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 42-62
- Permit required for
- Work within/on/under/above ROW
- Grandfathered
- Existing installations in place
- State law tie-in
- F.S. §§ 337.401-337.404
Summary
Hillsborough County requires a rights-of-way use permit before anyone builds, installs, or works within, on, under, or above county rights-of-way, including sidewalks.
It shall be unlawful for any person, corporation, partnership, association, or other entity to construct, install, remove, relocate, or perform other work activities on utilities or installations within, on, under or above rights-of-way without first having obtained a rights-of-way use permit, unless such activity is specifically exempted by the Utility Accommodation Guide and Rights-of-Way Use Procedures Manual.
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 42-62 of the county code, it is unlawful for any person, corporation, partnership, association, or other entity to construct, install, remove, relocate, or perform other work activities on utilities or installations within, on, under, or above rights-of-way without first obtaining a rights-of-way use permit. The application and fee are filed with the County per the Utility Accommodation Guide and Rights-of-Way Use Procedures Manual, and work must also meet F.S. §§ 337.401-337.404. Existing installations already in place when the article took effect are grandfathered and need no permit unless further work is done.
Violations & Fines
Working in the right-of-way without a permit is a violation of Sec. 42-62 and is enforceable under Sec. 42-66 of the same article, in addition to any civil action the County may bring to compel compliance or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a driveway apron or fence near the sidewalk in unincorporated Hillsborough County?
Is an existing structure already in the right-of-way required to get a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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