# Pinellas County Grease Interceptor Requirements > Pinellas County grease interceptor requirements: pumped every 30 days, grease under 6 in and solids under 8 in, variances capped at 180 days, 3-year records. URL: https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/pinellas-county-grease-interceptor-rules/ Learn # What Are Pinellas County's Grease Interceptor Requirements? Pinellas County Utilities' Article VI rules: who they cover, the 30-day minimum, layer limits, how variances work, and what to keep on file. Updated November 14, 2026 [Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/) pumps to Pinellas County Utilities' grease rules (County Code Chapter 126, Article VI). Interceptors must be pumped empty at least every 30 days, with grease kept under 6 inches and solids under 8 inches. Traps are cleaned weekly, and records stay on site for three years. Variances can never exceed 180 days. ## Who the rules cover Article VI applies to food service establishments that discharge to a wastewater facility operated by Pinellas County Utilities. In practice that’s mostly unincorporated Pinellas, such as Palm Harbor. St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Largo run their own programs. Covered establishments need an annual food service establishment permit from the County (Sec. 126-606). ## Connections and design Every grease-producing fixture must connect to an interceptor or trap (Sec. 126-611). Existing establishments without one must install one. New or upgraded designs must meet the Florida Building Code (Sec. 126-612). ## Interceptor maintenance (Sec. 126-613) - Pumped only by a **hauler permitted by Pinellas County**. - **Pumped empty.** No decanting, skimming or backwashing. - At least **once every 30 days** unless the County approves a variance. The County can also require more frequent pumping. - Pumped often enough to keep the grease layer **under 6 inches** and the solids layer **under 8 inches**, measured next to the outlet. - **Grease traps and grease removal devices** cleaned at least **weekly** and logged in a bound logbook. ## Variances A variance can lengthen the interval, but **never beyond 180 days**. It’s voided if its schedule isn’t followed, after which the 30-day rule applies again. It also can’t be transferred, so a new owner starts at 30 days. The County’s process includes a pump-out frequency evaluation. Call the Grease Management Program at (727) 582-2379 before your first pump-out to begin it. ## Records (Sec. 126-619) Every pumping event is verified with a **signed grease waste service record**, and cleaning and service records stay on site for **three years**. Florida’s statewide one-year manifest rule is the minimum. Pinellas asks for three. ## What a 30-day rule costs At 12–13 visits a year, a 1,000–1,500 gallon interceptor at $400–$650 per visit runs about $4,800–$7,800 a year at the minimum 12 visits. See the [interceptor pumping cost guide](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-interceptor-pumping-cost/) and [Palm Harbor](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/service-areas/palm-harbor/). Bottom line On Pinellas County Utilities sewer: pump every 30 days or less, keep grease under 6 in and solids under 8 in, use a county-permitted hauler, and keep three years of records. For a schedule that meets it, call [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241). [Related service Grease Interceptor Pumping Outdoor interceptors pumped to empty, scraped and documented on the schedule your city or county enforces. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-interceptor-pumping/)[Also related Grease Trap Maintenance Plans Scheduled pumping set by your jurisdiction's rule and how fast your unit actually fills, with the paperwork kept straight. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-maintenance-plans/) Want a quote? [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) ## Questions about this ### Do Pinellas County's rules apply in St. Petersburg, Clearwater or Largo? Those cities run their own grease programs. Pinellas County's rules apply to food service establishments discharging to Pinellas County Utilities facilities, mostly in unincorporated areas such as Palm Harbor. ### How do I apply for a pumping variance in Pinellas County? Through the County's Grease Management Program, which has a variance application and a pump-out frequency evaluation. Contact the program at (727) 582-2379 before your first pump-out to start it. Variances never exceed 180 days. ### What happens if I miss my variance schedule? The variance is voided and the 30-day minimum applies again. Variances also can't be transferred to a new owner or operator. ## More guides - [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/) - [Grease Trap vs Grease Interceptor: What's the Difference?How to tell which one your kitchen has, and why it changes the cleaning schedule, who can do the work and what it costs.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-trap-vs-grease-interceptor/) - [How Do You Check a Grease Hauler Is Registered in Tampa?City registration, county permits and the state license are three different things. Here's how to check each one.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/registered-grease-hauler-tampa/) - [What Is a St. Petersburg Grease Discharge Permit?What St. Petersburg's Grease Management Program asks of every food service facility, from the permit to the quarterly report.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/st-petersburg-grease-discharge-permit/) - [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/) 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/)