What is the Residential Street Lighting Program?
The Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County (BOCC) enacted a system to create and maintain special districts for street lighting in the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County to promote public safety and welfare. Property owners pay for neighborhood street lighting as a separate Hillsborough County Consolidated Street Lighting Special Purpose District assessment on their property tax bill.
What is included in my assessment rate?
The assessment rate is developed on a per individual district basis, which includes the cost that Tampa Electric Company, Inc. (TECO) charges the County based on the type of street lighting poles, conduits, wires and fixtures (which is approximately 95% of the total cost of operation and maintenance) and other expenses incurred by the County associated with the administration and management of the Street Lighting Program (Program). The assessment rate is essentially passing the cost of service to each individual district to the properties (per platted lot) within the district.
Why are my rates increasing?
A rate study was conducted this year to develop the cost of service on a per individual district basis. The Program assessment rates for Fiscal Year 2026 reflect the total identified costs and the funding requirements associated with providing street lighting service.
Why is my assessment rate changing?
Because the assessment rates are calculated based on various components such as i) the type of street lighting poles and lighting fixtures and associated energy costs as provided by TECO on an individual district basis; ii) the impact of changes in technology (i.e. TECO LED Fixture Conversion Program); iii) the number of platted lots within the district including roadway lighting along HOA properties such as common areas, entrances, or other local roads; iv) maintaining Program reserve requirements; and v) County administrative and management costs, changes in assessment rates are reflective of providing service to the respective district. Assessment rates are reviewed annually.
When will the increase take effect and how will I pay for it?
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the proposed rates at a Public Hearing on August 20th, 2025. Property owners will see the assessment on their property tax bill issued in November 2025.
What is the assessment period for the Residential Street Lighting Assessment?
The Residential Street Lighting Assessment is for the 2025 Tax Year (Fiscal Year October 1 2025 to September 30 2026).
How do I report a Street Light outage or issue?
Street lights are installed and maintained by Tampa Electric Company (TECO) and can be reported directly to TECO by submitting a request at this website. Report a streetlight outage.
How many street lighting districts does the County manage?
The County currently manages 797 street lighting districts. They are neighborhood generated and require a petition in order to be established. There is no limit to the number of street lighting districts that can be created.
How many street lights are included in the Residential Street Lighting Program?
There are approximately 36,000 light fixtures and 31,000 poles located within the Program's 797 lighting districts, which are owned and maintained by TECO.
Are there any discounts for senior citizens or non-profit organizations?
No discounts are available for this assessment.