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Tampa Home Wash · Updated October 2026
Tampa Water Rules & HOA Letter Guide
Tampa is in a drought. Here is what is allowed, what is not, and what to do if your HOA sends a letter.
Not sure if your job is allowed? Call or send a photo and we will check for you.
Order runs through March 31, 2027Covers private wells too
HOAs can’t require washing for looks during the current water shortage.
Quick Answer: Can I Pressure Wash in Tampa Right Now?
Sometimes. Tampa is under a drought water shortage order. Inside City of Tampa limits, pressure washing just for looks is not allowed right now. It is allowed to get ready for painting or sealing, and to remove mold, mildew, or hazards from hard surfaces when a broom or leaf blower will not work. Your HOA also cannot make you pressure wash for looks during the restrictions.
| Your Situation | Allowed Right Now? | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Washing the driveway so it looks nicer | No | Washing only for appearance is not allowed |
| Cleaning before painting or sealing | Yes | Prep for painting and sealing is still allowed |
| Removing mold, mildew, or slippery buildup on a driveway or sidewalk | Yes, if needed | Only when a broom or leaf blower cannot remove it |
| Washing because the HOA sent a letter | No | HOA standards do not count as necessary maintenance |
| Washing your car at home | On your watering day only | Use a hose with a shutoff nozzle |
Tampa’s Pressure Washing Rules in Plain English
Tampa Bay has had much less rain than normal, so the water district declared a water shortage. That means everyone has to use less water outdoors, including when cleaning.
The Order
A Modified Phase III “Extreme” water shortage from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
How Long
Through March 31, 2027, unless the district changes it.
Who It Covers
All of Hillsborough County, including homes on private wells.
Fines
The City of Tampa says first violations start at $100 and can reach $500.
The City of Tampa can have stricter rules than the district. Homes outside city limits, in unincorporated Hillsborough County, follow the county’s rules.
Can My HOA Make Me Pressure Wash?
Not for looks, not right now. The City of Tampa says HOAs cannot enforce deed restrictions or community standards that require more water use. That includes pressure washing for appearance and replacing plants just to meet looks rules. The water district’s order says the same.
If You Get an HOA Letter
- Stay calm and read the letter. Note the deadline.
- Reply in writing. Mention the current water shortage order and the city rule about HOAs and water use.
- Keep copies of the letter and your reply.
- If the problem is real mold, mildew, or a slippery hazard on a walkway, that may still be cleaned as necessary maintenance. Ask us and we will check.
Florida law also limits how HOAs fine homeowners and requires written notice and a chance for a hearing. We are not lawyers, so ask your HOA or an attorney if you have legal questions.
What Still Counts as “Necessary Maintenance”?
These are the jobs the City of Tampa still allows:
- Getting ready to paint or seal. For example, cleaning pavers before paver sealing, or washing walls before painting.
- Removing mold, mildew, or hazardous material from driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces when a broom or leaf blower cannot remove it.
- Construction work, like cleaning concrete before painting or sealing.
What Does Not Count
- Washing to make the house or driveway look nicer
- Washing only because an HOA asked
- Yearly “spring cleaning” washes for appearance
What You Can Do Now Without Breaking the Rules
Sweep and Blow
A broom or leaf blower removes loose dirt, leaves, and pollen without any water.
Plan Allowed Projects
If you were going to paint or seal anyway, cleaning before that work is still allowed.
Deal With Safety Issues
Slippery mold or mildew on walkways can count as necessary maintenance.
Take Photos
Photograph problem areas now so you can show the condition later if needed.
Check Your Watering Day
Your address decides your one watering day. Car washing is only allowed that day.
Get on a List
Ask us to note your job so we can schedule it when the rules allow it.
How We Handle Jobs During the Restrictions
1. Check Your Address
We confirm whether you are inside City of Tampa limits and which rules apply.
2. Check the Reason
We confirm the job is allowed, like prep for sealing or removing mildew from a walkway.
3. Be Honest With You
If the job is only for looks, we tell you it has to wait, and we can put you on a list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pressure washing banned in Tampa right now?
Not completely. Washing just to make things look nicer is not allowed right now. Washing is still allowed to get ready for painting or sealing, and to remove mold, mildew, or hazards from driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces when a broom or leaf blower will not do the job.
Can my HOA fine me for a dirty driveway or house?
Under the current Tampa and Southwest Florida Water Management District rules, an HOA cannot enforce rules that make you use more water, and that includes pressure washing for looks. If you get a letter, reply politely, mention the current water shortage order, and keep a copy.
Do the rules apply if I have a private well?
Yes. The water district says its restrictions apply to people on private wells too, not only city water customers.
Can I hire a professional to pressure wash?
A professional has to follow the same rules. A pro can help with jobs that are still allowed, like cleaning before painting or sealing, or removing mold and mildew from hard surfaces when it is necessary maintenance.
Can I wash my car at home?
Yes, but only on your assigned watering day and with a hose that has a shutoff nozzle.
When will the restrictions end?
The current order runs through March 31, 2027, unless the water district changes it. The district looks at rainfall and water supply before deciding.
What is the fine for breaking the rules?
The City of Tampa says first violations start at $100, and water use violations can reach up to $500 with a required court appearance. Repeat problems can lead to bigger penalties.
Does getting my house ready to sell count as necessary maintenance?
The rules do not list selling a home as an exception. Cleaning before painting or sealing, or removing mold, mildew, or hazards from hard surfaces, can still qualify. Ask us and we will check your situation before booking.
Proudly Serving Tampa, FL
Areas we serve include Westchase, South Tampa, Carrollwood and New Tampa.
We help Tampa homeowners clean up the outside of their homes before an HOA inspection or after a violation letter.
If you got a letter, send us a photo and the deadline.
Let us look at it first.
Contact us today for a no obligation estimate and ask about same day or next day availability.
Phone(656) 219-1566
Address7113 Causeway Blvd #1470, Tampa, FL 33619
Emailwashingp66@gmail.com
Service locationTampa, Florida