# Buying a Restaurant: Grease Trap Requirements to Check > Buying a restaurant in Tampa Bay? A sale can trigger a grease trap upgrade. What to check, what records to ask for, and costs to price into the deal. URL: https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/buying-a-restaurant-grease-trap/ Decision Guide # Buying a Restaurant? Grease Trap Requirements to Check Why a change of ownership matters to the grease program, and the checks to make before you sign. Updated November 14, 2026 [Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/) recommends a grease trap inspection before any restaurant purchase, because grease trap requirements can change with ownership. In the City of Tampa, a sale or change of ownership is one of the conditions that lets the City require a new or upgraded grease trap. A new 750–1,500 gallon interceptor costs $4,000–$8,500 installed, per the City's own figures. ## Why a sale matters Under Tampa Code Sec. 26-306(b)(2), the City can require an existing food service facility to install a new grease trap or interceptor, or repair a non-compliant one, when any of these apply: - **The facility is sold or changes ownership** - Remodelling requires a plumbing permit - There is no grease trap or interceptor - The existing unit is defective or can’t be repaired - Grease in the wastewater exceeds 400 mg/l - The facility causes line stoppages - Fixtures aren’t connected through the unit A converted retail space, or a menu change from a café to a fryer-heavy concept, can tip an undersized unit into “needs replacing”. Clearwater can require non-compliant interceptors to be upgraded within 180 days of notice. ## What to check before closing 1. **Jurisdiction.** City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Pasco or Temple Terrace. It sets the schedule, permits and records. 2. **What’s installed.** Trap or interceptor, its size, and whether it suits the menu you plan to run. 3. **Condition.** Baffles, tees, flow control, vent, lids and risers. 4. **Connections.** Every grease fixture routed through it; no restroom waste. 5. **Records.** Logbook, manifests, violation notices, permit. 6. **Transfers.** Pinellas County variances don’t transfer. Ask your program whether permits do. A [grease trap inspection](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-inspection/) documents all of this in writing for the negotiation. ## Costs to price in Item Typical cost New small trap, 0–100 gal (City of Tampa) $250–$1,500 installed New interceptor, 750–1,500 gal (City of Tampa) $4,000–$8,500 installed Interceptor pump-out, 1,000–1,500 gal $400–$650 per visit Annual pumping on a 30-day rule about $4,800–$7,800 See the [installation cost guide](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-trap-installation-cost-tampa/). Bottom line Before closing, inspect the trap, collect its records, and confirm the jurisdiction's rules. If an upgrade is likely, price it into the deal. To book a pre-purchase inspection, call [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241). [Related service Grease Trap Inspection A written check of the trap, its fittings and your records before an inspector or a buyer finds the problem. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-inspection/)[Also related Grease Trap Installation New and replacement traps and interceptors: sizing, permits and the triggers that make the city require one. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-installation/) Want a quote? [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) ## Questions about this ### Does buying a restaurant automatically mean a new grease trap in Tampa? No. A sale lets the City require a new or upgraded trap if the existing one doesn't comply. A trap in good condition, correctly connected, can stay. ### Does a Pinellas County pumping variance transfer to the new owner? No. Pinellas County variances can't be transferred, so a new owner starts on the 30-day minimum until a new variance is approved. ### What grease trap records should I ask the seller for? The maintenance logbook, pump-out manifests (at least the last year, three in Pinellas, Pasco and Temple Terrace), any violation notices and their resolution, and the permit if the program issues one. ## More guides - [What Grease Trap Records and Manifests Does Florida Require?What a valid service manifest contains, who signs it, and the record-keeping rules that sit on top of it in each Tampa Bay program.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-trap-records-manifests-florida/) - [What Do Grease Trap Inspectors Look For?The checklist city and county grease inspectors work through, and how to pass it before they arrive.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/what-grease-inspectors-check/) - [How Do You Choose a Grease Trap Company?Eight questions that separate a hauler who keeps you compliant from one who just empties the tank.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/choosing-a-grease-trap-company/) - [Can I Clean My Own Grease Trap?Which units staff may clean, the disposal limits that apply, and a step-by-step routine that meets the logbook rules.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/can-i-clean-my-own-grease-trap/) - [How Much Does Emergency Grease Trap Pumping Cost?The emergency premium, worked examples by unit size, and the fines and re-inspection fees that make a missed pump-out the expensive option.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/emergency-grease-trap-pumping-cost/) Get an exact price for your kitchen Two quick steps. We call back to confirm. Faster by phone: [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) Rather talk it through? Call now. Call any time. If we can't pick up, leave a message and you'll get a call back. [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) [Request a quote](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/contact/)