📋 Key Rules
Hillsborough County is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro. The county uses the Florida Building Code as its base, with the under-6-foot exemption applying to most residential fences outside flood zones. Tampa proper has city-specific rules administered by the City of Tampa Building and Development. Flood zones along the Hillsborough River, Tampa Bay, and the Alafia River affect a significant number of residential properties.
Permit Thresholds — Tampa Area
| City / Jurisdiction | Backyard Threshold | Front Yard | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Tampa | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $65–$110 | (813) 274-3100 |
| Temple Terrace | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (813) 506-6420 |
| Plant City | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $45–$75 | (813) 659-4200 |
| Unincorporated Hillsborough | Over 6 ft (under 6 ft exempt) | Over 4 ft | $65 flat | (813) 272-5600 |
| Any flood zone property | Any height | Any height | $65 + floodplain fee | (813) 272-5600 |
Key Rules for Hillsborough County Fl
Hillsborough County Development Services at (813) 272-5600 handles unincorporated area permits. Check your flood zone at msc.fema.gov before assuming the 6-foot exemption applies — Tampa Bay's flood hazard areas extend well into residential neighborhoods. Pool barriers always require a separate permit regardless of height (Florida Building Code §454).
How to Apply
- Identify your jurisdiction — Confirm whether your address falls under city, county, or township rules. Use your county's online parcel viewer.
- Get HOA approval first — If you're in an HOA, obtain written architectural approval before applying for any government permit.
- Prepare documents — Completed application, site plan with setback measurements, property survey or plat, HOA approval letter.
- Submit and pay — Hillsborough Dev. Services: (813) 272-5600. Fee: $65 flat fee for most unincorporated residential fences; Tampa city $65–$110.
- Build and inspect — Post permit at job site. Schedule final inspection after fence is complete.
Setback Rules
Standard residential setbacks in Florida allow fences at the rear and side property lines (0 ft setback) in most residential zones. Front yard fences must sit behind the right-of-way line — not at the curb or sidewalk. Corner lots face sight triangle restrictions at intersections. Use our Setback Calculator for estimates, or confirm with your building department.
HOA Rules in the Tampa Area
The Tampa metro has significant HOA coverage in newer suburban developments. HOA approval and a building permit are separate requirements — get written HOA approval first, then apply for the permit. See our HOA Rules guides for homeowner protections in Florida. Use our HOA Dispute Decision Tree if you’ve received a denial.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Every document and step for your permit application in the Tampa area.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Standard residential fence permits typically take 3–10 business days in most Tampa area jurisdictions. Applications in flood zones or requiring variance consideration take 3–6 weeks. Always apply before ordering materials or scheduling your contractor.
Yes, if both apply. They are entirely separate processes. Get written HOA approval first, then apply for the building permit. One does not substitute for the other.
In most Florida jurisdictions, homeowners may pull their own building permits for work on their primary residence. You do not need a licensed contractor to obtain the permit, though any contractor doing the work must be licensed to operate in that city or county. Confirm with your specific building department.