Local Mitigation Strategy

Identifying potential hazards that may strike Hillsborough County

The Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) is a document that identifies potential hazards that may strike Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The hazards include flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires.

The strategy includes an assessment of areas vulnerable to various hazards and identifies possible actions to prevent or reduce potential damage in the future, using a multi-jurisdictional approach. Proposed actions and projects are focused on protecting the County’s residents, property, and environment.

The Proposed Project List (PPL) in the LMS helps the County qualify for federal/state funding, strengthen infrastructure, and recover more quickly after disasters strike.

The Local Mitigation Strategy includes the county's Floodplain Management Plan and the county's Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Local Mitigation Strategy Documents

What is mitigation?

Any action taken to prevent or reduce damages (loss of life and property) associated with natural and manmade disasters.

Forms of Mitigation

Land-Use Management: Keeping new developments away from flood-prone areas or wetlands to protect homes and natural buffers.
Zoning: Requiring higher building elevations in coastal zones or limiting construction in storm surge areas.
Construction & Making your Building Stronger: Installing hurricane straps, impact-resistant windows, and reinforced roofs to withstand strong winds.
Regulation and Standard Implementation within High Risk Areas: Adopting updated building codes and requiring flood-resistant materials in designated risk zones.
Working with Industry: Collaborating with power companies to strengthen electrical grids or with builders to promote resilient construction practices.
Retrofitting Structures, Public Outreach and Education: Elevating older homes, improving drainage systems, or holding workshops that teach families how to prepare for hurricanes and floods.

State requirements

The County is required by the state to maintain a Local Mitigation Strategy in order to receive pre-disaster mitigation grant funds. The current Local Mitigation Strategy was updated and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Hillsborough County BOCC approved the LMS on July 16, 2025 during their regular meeting. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) approved it on June 20, 2025 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the LMS on July 28, 2025.

Resolutions

Public input

Public input is a key part of the process. Residents are asked to comment on any project currently listed in the plan and suggest other projects not currently being considered. Residents and community stakeholders also are invited to attend Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group (LMS WG) meetings and become involved.

The group continues to meet quarterly. Please visit the LMS WG page for more information, including the meeting schedule, agendas and meeting minutes.

Contact the Office of Hazard Mitigation & Resiliency