Tampa vs Jacksonville
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Tampa, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
| Requirement | Tampa, 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 750 gallons storage capacity for interceptors with rated flow exceeding 50 GPM. Under-sink grease traps rated per GPM of connected fixtures per Florida Building Code. Sizing per City of Tampa Wastewater Department specifications. | 1,000 gallons (exterior grease interceptor); interior grease traps sized per fixture capacity |
| Pumping Frequency | Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if grease and solids exceed 25% of 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 | FOG discharge permit required. Permit fees set by City of Tampa Wastewater Department; contact (813) 274-8070 for current fee schedule. | No separate FOG permit fee; covered under wastewater discharge permit |
| Max Fine | Up to $10,000 per day per violation under City of Tampa Code. Additional administrative penalties, surcharges, and potential disconnection of sewer service for chronic non-compliance. | $10,000 per day per violation (per Florida Statute 403) |
| Inspections | City of Tampa Wastewater Department conducts routine FOG inspections. Frequency is risk-based; typically annual for compliant FSEs. Establishments in violation may be inspected quarterly or more frequently. | Annually by the city; self-inspections required at each pump-out |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | City of Tampa Wastewater Department; Hillsborough County Public Utilities, FOG Program | JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority) Environmental Compliance Division |
| Establishments | 2,748 | 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:
- Tampa 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: Tampa requires "Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if grease and ", 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: Tampa penalties can reach Up to $10,000 per day per violation under City of Tampa Code. Additional administrative penalties, surcharges, and potential disconnection of sewer service for chronic non-compliance., 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 Tampa and Jacksonville?
Tampa 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: Tampa requires "Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if grease and ", whereas Jacksonville requires "At minimum every 90 days, or more frequently as needed to maintain compliance".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Tampa or Jacksonville?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. Tampa fines: Up to $10,000 per day per violation under City of Tampa Code. Additional administrative penalties, surcharges, and potential disconnection of sewer service for chronic non-compliance.. Jacksonville fines: $10,000 per day per violation (per Florida Statute 403). Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Tampa and Jacksonville?
Tampa: Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if grease and solids exceed 25% of interceptor capacit. 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?
Use our sizing calculator to find the right grease trap for each location.
Open Calculator