Water Use Restrictions Enforcement Program

Background

Tampa�s Water Enforcement Program was created in 1993 to ensure compliance with the Water Use Restriction Ordinance passed by Tampa�s City Council and to help educate and inform residents about efficient outdoor water use practices.

The city of Tampa�s current Water Use Restrictions allow one day per week watering and are enforced through Tampa�s Water Enforcement Program on a year-round basis, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Enforcement Office

Tampa's Water Enforcement Office is open Monday to Friday, 8 am. to 5 p.m. to answer questions about the issuance of Citations and Warnings, and to provide general guidance about the ordinance and responding to citations.

Please direct all questions to (813) 349-5014 or send an E-mail to WaterPatrol@TechStaffTB.com. Due to high call volume, please allow up to 24-hours for a representative to return your call.

Restriction and Enforcement Jurisdiction

Tampa's Water Use Restrictions apply to all Tampa Water Department customers, both residential and commercial, and to users of all water sources, including well and surface water inside Tampa city limits. Residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County, located inside the Tampa Water Department's water service must follow Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions for your area.

The current Water Use Restrictions are available 24 hours-a day, 7 days-a-week by calling the Water Conservation Hotline at (813) 274-8036.

To report a Water Use Violation inside Tampa�s city limits call the Water Use Violation Hotline at (813) 274-8036 or report a violation online.

Schedule of Penalties

Violating Tampa�s Water Use Restrictions may result in fines ranging from $100 to $500. The fine assessment per violation observed inside Tampa�s city limits is as follows:

First Citation	$100
Second Citation	$200
Third and Subsequent Citations	Mandatory court appearance in addition to a fine of up to $500. The penalty for third and subsequent violations is assessed during the mandatory court appearance.

If the total penalty assessed on the citation is not paid within 30-days following the date on the citation, your case will be placed on the docket for the hearing date listed on the bottom of your Citation. Failure to appear in court typically results in a judgment against the defendant. Failure to settle any fines assessed by the Court may result in increased penalties up to and including property liens.

Citation Handling

If a Citation is issued to your residence, you have two options in handling the Citation:

Option 1
Pay the fine by sending a photocopy of the Citation along with your payment in the form of a money order, cashier�s check or personal check, payable to:

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Attention: Civil Infractions

P.O. Box 3360

Tampa, FL 33601

To ensure timely processing of your payment, please indicate the defendant�s name, address, and Citation number on the front of the check.

Payments Locations
	Clerk of the Circuit Court 700 Twiggs St., Rm 752 Tampa, FL 33602 Brandon Crossing Shopping Center 10065 E. Adamo Dr. Suite A Tampa, FL 33619		Plant City 302 N. Michigan Ave. Ruskin, FL 33566 Southshore Regional Service Center 410 30th St. S.E., Suite 126 Ruskin, FL 33570

Payments must be received within thirty (30) days from the date that the Citation was issued if you do not intend to contest the Citation in Court.

Option 2
To contest the Citation, you must appear in Court at on the date specified on the bottom of the Citation. Hearings are held at Hillsborough County Courthouse, North Annex, 801 Twiggs St., Courtroom 53A, Tampa, FL 33602.

If you elect to contest the Citation and are found to have violated the ordinance provisions referenced on the enclosed citation, s. 28.2402 F.S. requires the Court to assess an additional $40 in Court Costs for deposit into the Clerk's Fine and Forfeiture Fund. Other Court Costs may also be assessed in addition to the total penalties and the Clerk's Fine and Forfeiture Fund fee.

For more information about Tampa's Water Enforcement Program, contact the Tampa Water Department�s Consumer Affairs Division, at 274-8121.