Orlando vs Jacksonville
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Orlando, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
| Requirement | Orlando, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (Florida Building Code, based on International codes) | IPC (Florida Building Code based on IPC) |
| Min. Trap Size | Gravity grease interceptors: minimum 1,000-1,500 gallons per Orange County design guidelines, depending on fixture count and establishment type. Sizing follows the Orange County Grease Interceptor Design Guidelines (CERT document). Under-sink HGIs must be rated per Florida Building Code. | 1,000 gallons (exterior grease interceptor); interior grease traps sized per fixture capacity |
| Pumping Frequency | Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25% of the interceptor capacity. | At minimum every 90 days, or more frequently as needed to maintain compliance |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | Industrial wastewater/FOG discharge permit required. Fees determined by Orlando Water Reclamation Division; typically $75-$150 annually depending on establishment category. | No separate FOG permit fee; covered under wastewater discharge permit |
| Max Fine | Up to $10,000 per violation per day under City of Orlando Code. Additional civil penalties and potential injunctive relief. | $10,000 per day per violation (per Florida Statute 403) |
| Inspections | Routine inspections conducted by Orlando Water Reclamation Division / Orange County Utilities Environmental Compliance. Risk-based schedule; typically annual for compliant FSEs, with increased frequency for non-compliant facilities. | Annually by the city; self-inspections required at each pump-out |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | City of Orlando Water Reclamation Division; Orange County Utilities, Environmental Compliance Division | JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority) Environmental Compliance Division |
| Establishments | 3,592 | 2,197 |
Key Differences
Even though both cities are in Florida, their FOG compliance requirements can differ significantly at the municipal level. Here are the most important differences restaurant operators should know:
- Orlando follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Jacksonville uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards.
- Pumping schedules differ: Orlando requires "Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25%", whereas Jacksonville requires "At minimum every 90 days, or more frequently as needed to maintain compliance".
- Both cities enforce the 25% rule, requiring grease traps to be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's capacity.
- Fines differ: Orlando penalties can reach Up to $10,000 per violation per day under City of Orlando Code. Additional civil penalties and potential injunctive relief., compared to $10,000 per day per violation (per Florida Statute 403) in Jacksonville.
What This Means for Restaurant Operators
If you operate food service establishments in both cities, understanding these regulatory differences is critical for compliance. Permit requirements vary, so check with each city's wastewater authority before opening a new location. Different plumbing codes (IPC (Florida Building Code, based on International codes) vs IPC (Florida Building Code based on IPC)) mean trap sizing calculations may produce different results for the same kitchen setup. Always verify current requirements directly with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do grease trap requirements compare between Orlando and Jacksonville?
Orlando follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Jacksonville uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards. Pumping schedules differ: Orlando requires "Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25%", whereas Jacksonville requires "At minimum every 90 days, or more frequently as needed to maintain compliance".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Orlando or Jacksonville?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. Orlando fines: Up to $10,000 per violation per day under City of Orlando Code. Additional civil penalties and potential injunctive relief.. Jacksonville fines: $10,000 per day per violation (per Florida Statute 403). Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Orlando and Jacksonville?
Orlando: Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25% of the interceptor capacity.. Jacksonville: At minimum every 90 days, or more frequently as needed to maintain compliance.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
Operating in Both Cities?
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