# Grease Trap Notice of Violation: What to Do in Tampa > Got a grease trap notice of violation in Tampa? The 24-hour and 72-hour deadlines, repair windows, re-inspection fees, and the order to do things in. URL: https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-trap-notice-of-violation/ Decision Guide # Got a Grease Trap Notice of Violation? What to Do Next The deadlines that start the moment the notice lands, what to do first, and how to make sure the re-inspection passes. Updated November 14, 2026 [Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/) gets this call most often under deadline. After a City of Tampa grease Notice of Violation, you have 24 hours to clean a grease trap and 72 hours to pump an interceptor for missed frequency. Repairs get 30 days for a trap and 60 for an interceptor. A failed re-inspection costs $61 per hour. ## The deadlines (City of Tampa) What the notice is for Deadline Clean a grease trap 24 hours Pump an interceptor (missed pumping frequency) 72 hours Repair a grease trap 30 days Repair a grease interceptor 60 days Replace a grease trap 60 days Replace a grease interceptor 6 months Other programs set their own deadlines. Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Pasco County and Temple Terrace all inspect and enforce independently, so read your notice for the exact terms. ## What to do, in order 1. **Read the notice for the deadline and the reason.** Missed frequency, overfull unit, broken part, missing records and connection problems each need a different fix. 2. **Book the pump-out straight away.** A 24-hour deadline leaves no room to wait. See [emergency grease trap pumping](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/emergency-grease-trap-pumping/). 3. **Keep the manifest.** A signed manifest showing the date, volume removed and condition of the unit is your proof of compliance. 4. **Get anything structural in writing.** A broken baffle or missing tee is a repair, with its own deadline. Under Tampa’s ordinance, the hauler must tell you in writing if the interceptor isn’t working properly. See [grease trap repair](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-repair/). 5. **Fix the records.** Missing logbook entries can’t be backfilled honestly. Start a proper log now and keep every manifest from here on. 6. **Prepare for the re-inspection.** It’s free if you pass. If you fail, the City bills $61 for each hour of inspector time. ## Why it happened, and how to stop it happening again Most notices trace back to one of four things: a schedule set by the calendar rather than by measured fill; a trap that passes grease because a baffle or outlet tee is broken; missing paperwork; or a fixture that bypasses the trap. A [pre-inspection](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-inspection/) checks all four before the next visit, and a [maintenance plan](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-maintenance-plans/) keeps the dates ahead of the limit. ## The cost of letting it slide Beyond re-inspection fees, Florida law allows a fine of up to $250 for each failure to clean a grease trap or interceptor, and up to $100 for each missing manifest (F.S. 403.0741). If the City of Tampa has to pump your interceptor, you pay the pumping cost plus a $50 administrative fee. Bottom line Read the notice for the deadline, get the pump-out booked straight away, keep the manifest, fix anything structural within the repair window, and be ready for the re-inspection. If the clock is running now, call [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241). [Related service Emergency Grease Trap Pumping Overflowing trap, backed-up floor drains or a violation deadline. Call, and here's what to do while you wait. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/emergency-grease-trap-pumping/)[Also related Grease Trap Repair Broken baffles, missing tees, flow-control devices and lids found, written up and fixed before the deadline. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-repair/)[Also related 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/) Want a quote? [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) ## Questions about this ### What if I can't get the trap pumped within 24 hours? Call the hauler and the City's grease program as soon as possible. Document when you booked the work and any reason it couldn't happen in time. If the City has to pump an interceptor itself, it bills the pumping plus a $50 administrative fee. ### Can I appeal a grease Notice of Violation in Tampa? The City of Tampa's grease ordinance includes enforcement procedures and an appeal process. The City's Wastewater Department publishes the details. Meet the compliance deadline while any appeal is pending. ### Does a violation in Hillsborough County or Pinellas County work the same way? The idea is the same: correct the problem by a deadline, then be re-inspected. The deadlines and fees differ by program, so read your notice for the exact terms. ## More guides - [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/) - [Buying a Restaurant? Grease Trap Requirements to CheckWhy a change of ownership matters to the grease program, and the checks to make before you sign.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/buying-a-restaurant-grease-trap/) - [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 Grease Interceptor Pumping Cost? (Tampa Bay, 2026)Per-visit ranges by tank size, the per-gallon public-contract benchmark, and what your city or county's pumping rule does to the annual bill.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-interceptor-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/)