Broward County manages FOG compliance through a decentralized model where individual municipalities enforce their own grease management programs. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and other cities each maintain local rules that may differ in specifics. All FSEs must also comply with state standards under Chapter 62-705 F.A.C..
Local Ordinance Details
Broward County does not maintain a single county-wide FOG enforcement program. Instead, each municipality within the county administers its own FOG control ordinance through its local utility or public works department. The major municipalities with active FOG enforcement include:
- Fort Lauderdale: Public Works Department FOG Program
- Hollywood: Public Utilities FOG Compliance
- Pembroke Pines: Utilities Department FOG Management
Unincorporated areas of Broward County fall under county utility jurisdiction. FSEs must identify which municipality or utility district they connect to and comply with that authority's specific requirements.
Pump-Out Frequency
Because enforcement is per-municipality, pump-out frequencies vary across Broward County:
- Fort Lauderdale: Typically every 90 days for interceptors, with more frequent cleaning for interior traps
- Hollywood: Per-permit basis, commonly 30 to 90 days depending on facility volume
- Pembroke Pines: Per-permit basis, generally every 90 days
Your specific municipality will assign a pump-out frequency during the permitting or registration process. Contact your local utility provider for the exact schedule applicable to your facility.
Documentation Required
Regardless of municipality, Broward County FSEs should maintain:
- FOG permit or registration from the local utility authority
- Grease waste service manifests for every pump-out
- Maintenance logs with dates, hauler name, contact info, and volumes removed
- Proof of hauler DEP registration for grease waste transport
- Any municipality-specific forms or reports required by local ordinance
Penalties
Penalties vary by municipality but follow a similar escalation pattern:
- Fort Lauderdale: Fines up to $500 per violation per day, with potential sewer surcharges
- Hollywood: NOVs with 30-day compliance windows, escalating to daily fines
- Pembroke Pines: Written warnings followed by fines and potential service disconnection
All municipalities can hold FSEs liable for cleanup costs resulting from FOG-caused sewer overflows. Repeated non-compliance can result in forced equipment upgrades or business operation restrictions.
How to Stay Compliant
- Identify your municipal utility authority — compliance requirements differ by city, so confirm which rules apply to your location.
- Register with your local FOG program and obtain the required permits or registrations.
- Follow your assigned pump-out schedule — do not assume a county-wide standard applies.
- Use DEP-registered haulers and keep all manifests on file for at least three years.
- Contact your municipality directly if you are unsure about requirements — assumptions can lead to violations.
Find a Service Provider
Browse verified grease trap service companies in Broward County to find DEP-registered haulers near your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Broward County not have a single county-wide FOG program?
Broward County has 31 municipalities, many with their own utility systems. Each municipality manages its own wastewater collection, so FOG enforcement is handled locally rather than at the county level. This means requirements can differ from one city to the next.
Which municipality's rules apply to my restaurant?
Your FOG compliance obligations are determined by which wastewater utility system your facility connects to. Check your utility bill to identify your provider, then contact their FOG compliance or pretreatment department for specific requirements.
Are the penalties the same across all Broward municipalities?
No. Each municipality sets its own fine structure and enforcement procedures. While the general pattern (notice, fine, escalation) is similar, specific dollar amounts, compliance deadlines, and enforcement actions differ. Always refer to your local municipality's ordinance for exact penalty details.