Police vehicles

City of Tampa Will Put Citywide Curfew in Place


This information is 4 years 5 months old and may no longer be accurate.

The City of Tampa, in response to last night’s violence, will institute a citywide curfew which will apply to all businesses and persons with in the City of Tampa from 7:30 PM - 6:00 AM until further notice.

 
“What I saw last night was not a call for voices to be heard, ideas to affect change, or ways to shine a light on inequality,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “What I saw was shameful, what I saw was heartbreaking. And what I saw did not reflect our community and the values we share. We stand in solidarity with all of the peaceful protests happening in our city and around the country.” 
  
Enforcement. Pursuant to Section 252.50, Florida Statutes, a violation of this Order, made pursuant to the emergency powers provided by Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, is a second degree misdemeanor which carries a penalty of up to 60 days imprisonment and/or a $500 fine; in addition this Executive Order may be enforced pursuant to City of Tampa Code Section 1-6.  Alternatively, a violation of this Order may be enforced by Section 870.048, Florida Statutes, as a first degree misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to one year imprisonment  and/or a $1000 fine.
Effective Date and Duration.  This Executive Order shall take effect immediately on the date set forth below and all provisions herein shall apply during the duration of this Executive Order. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

 

We will continue to communicate with City of Tampa residents on multiple platforms.
Mayor Jane Castor and TPD Police Chief Brian Dugan will hold a brief media availability at 5:30 PM at TPD Headquarters.

FAQs

Who does the curfew affect?

The curfew applies to all individuals and businesses within City of Tampa limits, with few exceptions. All individuals should return home by 7:30 pm and not leave home until 6:00 am unless it is for a qualifying activity, like seeking medical care and those participating in, going to, or returning from work. 


What exceptions are there?

The curfew applies to all individuals within City of Tampa limits with the following exceptions:

  • Individuals participating in, going to, or returning from employment, including, but not limited to:

    • federal, state, and local government employees

    • judicial personnel

    • those providing hospital and other health care services

    • first responder and correctional personnel

    • child protection and child welfare personnel

    • housing and shelter personnel

    • veterinary services personnel

    • postal and shipping services personnel

    • airline and airport personnel

    • those performing utility and telecommunications repairs

  • Medical patients in need of transportation

  • Persons seeking medical care

  • Persons seeking emergency veterinary services for a pet animal

  • Persons walking a pet animal on the premises of the residence at which the animal is being maintained


How long will the curfew be in effect?

The curfew will be in effect nightly from 7:30pm - 6:00am until further notice.


Can I be outside if I am traveling to/from work?

Individuals participating in, going to, or returning from employment are excluded from the curfew. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • federal, state, and local government employees

    • judicial personnel

    • those providing hospital and other health care services

    • first responder and correctional personnel

    • child protection and child welfare personnel

    • housing and shelter personnel

    • veterinary services personnel

    • postal and shipping services personnel

    • airline and airport personnel

    • those performing utility and telecommunications repairs



Can I go to the hospital, my doctor’s office, or the veterinarian? 

Yes. Medical patients in need of transport, persons seeking medical care, and persons seeking emergency veterinary services for a pet animal are also excluded from the curfew. Also, those providing hospital and other health care services may go to work. 


Can I go to the pharmacy?

You should refrain from going to the pharmacy between 7:30pm-6:00am.


Can I go to the grocery store?

No, you should not go to the grocery store after 7:30pm nightly until further notice. 


Can I go to a restaurant?

No, you should not go to a restaurant after 7:30pm nightly until further notice.


Can I go to the gas station? 

You should refrain from going to the gas station between 7:30pm-6:00am


Can I walk my dog?

You may walk your dog on the property of your residence. The curfew does not prohibit a person from walking a pet animal on the premises of the residence at which the animal is being maintained. 


Can rideshare drivers continue operations?

Yes, rideshare may continue to operate in order to provide transportation for those performing essential activities like going to the airport, seeking medical attention, going to/from work, etc.


I have a flight that arrives/departs during the curfew hours. Can I go to/come home from the airport?

Yes. Individuals going to or returning from the airport are excluded from the curfew.


Can I exercise in my neighborhood? 

The curfew prohibits all persons from being on public streets, highways, parks, or other public places during the hours in which the curfew is in effect. 


How is this order being enforced?

A violation of this Order is a second-degree misdemeanor which carries a penalty of up to 60 days imprisonment and/or a $500 fine; in addition, this Executive Order may be enforced pursuant to City of Tampa Code Section 1-6. Alternatively, a violation of this Order may be enforced by Section 870.048, Florida Statutes, as a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to one year imprisonment and/or a $1000 fine.