Florida Grease Trap Requirements & FOG Regulations
FOG Compliance Overview
Florida follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as its base plumbing code. The IPC requires grease interceptors for food service establishments and references sizing based on fixture unit counts and flow rates. The state's regulatory authority is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
With approximately 44,608 food service establishments statewide,Florida has significant FOG compliance needs. Individual cities and municipalities may adopt additional local ordinances that go beyond the state plumbing code, including stricter pumping schedules, permit requirements, and enforcement penalties. Of the 26 cities we cover, 22 require a dedicated FOG permit. 21 cities enforce the 25% rule for grease trap pumping.
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City Regulations in Florida
| City | Pumping Frequency | Permit | 25% Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradenton | See details | — | — |
| Cape Coral | Grease traps every 30 days; interceptors every 90 days ... | Required | Yes |
| Clearwater | At least every 30 days unless a variance is approved by... | Required | Yes |
| Daytona Beach | annual; or when grease/solids reach 25% of capacity | Required | Yes |
| Fort Lauderdale | Every 90 days typically; complete removal of all conten... | Required | Yes |
| Fort Myers | Every 90 days or when 25% full | Required | Yes |
| Fort Pierce | Annual | — | — |
| Gainesville | Grease traps: minimum twice per month; Grease intercept... | Required | Yes |
| Hialeah | Every 90 days or when 25% capacity is reached, whicheve... | Required | Yes |
| Hollywood | Small traps (under-sink): every 30 days; Large intercep... | Required | Yes |
| Jacksonville | At minimum every 90 days, or more frequently as needed ... | Required | Yes |
| Jupiter | Every 90 days (3 months) recommended; more frequently i... | Required | — |
| Lakeland | Every 90 days minimum or more frequently as needed to p... | Required | Yes |
| Miami | As specified in FOG permit conditions; typically every ... | Required | Yes |
| Naples | Every 90 days or as required by Collier County FOG prog... | Required | Yes |
| New Port Richey | Every 7 days (monthly) | — | — |
| Orlando | Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped befor... | Required | Yes |
| Palm Bay | Per 25% rule - when combined grease and solids reach 25... | Required | Yes |
| Panama City | monthly | Required | — |
| Pembroke Pines | Per FOG program schedule; typically quarterly for most ... | Required | Yes |
| Pensacola | monthly; or when grease/solids reach 25% of capacity | — | Yes |
| Port St. Lucie | Per 25% rule; typically every 1-3 months for commercial... | Required | Yes |
| Sarasota | Every 90 days or when 25% full | Required | Yes |
| St. Petersburg | At least once per month (variance available up to 180 d... | Required | Yes |
| Tallahassee | Grease traps every 30 days; interceptors every 90 days ... | Required | Yes |
| Tampa | Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumpin... | Required | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Florida follow for grease traps?
Florida follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The IPC requires grease interceptors for food service establishments and sizes them based on fixture unit counts and flow rates. Individual cities may adopt stricter local ordinances.
How many food service establishments are in Florida?
Florida has approximately 44,608 food service establishments according to Census Bureau County Business Patterns data. We currently cover detailed FOG regulations for 26 cities in the state.
Do I need a grease trap permit in Florida?
Permit requirements vary by city. Of the 26 cities we cover in Florida, 22 require a dedicated FOG permit. Check your specific city's requirements below or contact your local wastewater authority.
What size grease trap do I need in Florida?
Grease trap sizing in Florida depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements under the IPC. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation tailored to your setup.
Last verified: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.