What are the grease trap requirements in Tampa, FL?

Food service establishments in Tampa must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Tampa?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 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.. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Tampa, FL

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Tampa?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Tampa. Fee: FOG discharge permit required. Permit fees set by City of Tampa Wastewater Department; contact (813) 274-8070 for current fee schedule..

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Tampa, Florida. Serving 2,748 food service establishments.

Minimum every 90 days (quarter

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Florida Building Code, based on International codes)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if grease and solids exceed 25% of interceptor capacity.

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit 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.

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.

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum 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.
Pumping Frequency	Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if grease and solids exceed 25% of interceptor capacity.
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	FOG discharge permit required. Permit fees set by City of Tampa Wastewater Department; contact (813) 274-8070 for current fee schedule.
Maximum 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.
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.
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Florida Building Code, based on International codes)
Ordinance Ref.	City of Tampa Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 (Utilities), Article II (Sewers and Sewage Disposal); Hillsborough County FOG Program requirements
Authority	City of Tampa Wastewater Department; Hillsborough County Public Utilities, FOG Program

Additional Notes

Tampa's definition distinguishes between grease traps (smaller, point-of-use, typically under-sink) and grease interceptors (larger, in-ground, serving entire facilities). An interceptor whose rated flow exceeds 50 GPM or has a minimum storage capacity of 750 gallons is classified under the interceptor requirements. All FSEs must register with the City's FOG program. Grease haulers must be licensed. Tampa operates under both city and Hillsborough County FOG regulations. Maintenance records and hauler manifests must be maintained for at least 3 years.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.