A concrete walkway in Tampa lasts when it's poured on compacted soil, sloped so water sheds off, jointed at regular intervals and protected from sprinkler and roof runoff at the edges. Live oak roots and washed-out sand are common causes of lifted or sunken panels. Public sidewalks are in the right-of-way, where permits apply.
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Walkways and sidewalks are the narrow slabs that get the most foot traffic around a home. In Tampa Bay they are also where live oak roots, washed-out sand and standing water show up first: lifted panels, sunken corners and edges that catch a toe. In older neighborhoods across Tampa and St. Petersburg, front walks and public sidewalks can be many decades old.
Common walkway projects
- New front walks from the driveway or street to the door
- Side-yard paths to a pool equipment pad, trash area or gate
- Replacing cracked, lifted or sunken sections
- Concrete steps and landings at raised entries, common on homes built above flood elevation
- Widening a walk so it's easier to use with a stroller, wheelchair or walker
Building a walk that stays flat
A walkway needs the same things as any slab: compacted subgrade, a consistent thickness and joints at regular spacing. On sandy Tampa soil, the edges are the weak point. If irrigation or roof runoff keeps soaking one side, sand can wash out and the slab tips or cracks. The walk should have a slight cross-slope so water sheds off, and nearby sprinkler heads should be aimed away from it. Control joints on narrow walks are typically spaced at about the width of the walk or a little more, and an isolation joint separates the walk from the house, steps and driveway.
Tree roots
Live oaks and other large shade trees are common in established Tampa Bay neighborhoods, and their roots spread wide and shallow in sandy soil. Roots lift walk panels slowly over years. Options include rerouting the walk, bridging over roots, or using root barriers. Cutting large roots can harm or destabilize a tree, and some cities regulate work around protected trees, so check before cutting and consider talking to a certified arborist.
Public sidewalks
The sidewalk along the street is usually in the public right-of-way. The City of Tampa regulates sidewalk and driveway construction and repair in city rights-of-way through a permit process, and St. Petersburg and Clearwater handle right-of-way permits through their engineering departments. In unincorporated Hillsborough and Pasco counties, the county is the place to ask. Who pays to repair a damaged public sidewalk varies by jurisdiction, so call before hiring anyone for work beyond your property line. Public sidewalks also have accessibility requirements for slope and surface.
Steps and raised entries
Many Tampa Bay homes, especially newer ones and those in flood zones, sit on raised slabs, so the front entry has one or more steps. Steps need consistent riser heights, a landing at the door and a non-slip finish, and the building code sets limits on riser and tread dimensions. Handrails may be required depending on the number of risers. Ask your contractor how they'll meet the code and whether a permit is needed.
Repair or replace?
A sunken panel that's still in one piece can often be lifted. A small lifted edge can sometimes be ground down to remove a trip hazard. Panels that are broken or heaved by roots are usually replaced joint to joint. See concrete repair and leveling in Tampa for the options.
Questions to ask
- What is causing the damage, and how will the new walk avoid it?
- How will the edges be protected from washout?
- Does any of the work fall in the right-of-way, and who pulls the permit?
- How will the new section blend with the old concrete?
Ready to fix it? Request a walkway contractor and include photos of the damage.
See how it works
Frequently asked questions
Who fixes the sidewalk in front of my house?
It depends on your city or county. Some local governments repair public sidewalks and others put some responsibility on the adjacent owner. Contact your city's public works or transportation department, or the county for unincorporated areas, before hiring anyone.
Can I cut tree roots that are lifting my walkway?
Cutting large roots can harm or destabilize a tree, and some cities protect certain trees. Rerouting or bridging the walk and using root barriers are alternatives. Check local tree rules and consider an arborist before cutting.
Can a sunken walkway panel be raised?
Often, yes. If the panel is still in one piece, it can usually be lifted with slurry or foam injection. Broken or heaved panels are typically replaced joint to joint.
Sources and further reading
- American Concrete Institute (ACI)
- Portland Cement Association (PCA)
- UF/IFAS Extension: Spodosols in Florida (EDIS SS655)
- Florida Geological Survey: Sinkhole FAQ
- Florida Museum of Natural History: Sinkholes
- Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board
- Hillsborough County Contractor Licensing
- Pinellas County Contractor Licensing
- City of Tampa Right-of-Way Permits
- City of St. Petersburg Right-of-Way Permit Application
- City of Clearwater Right-of-Way Permit Form
- Southwest Florida Water Management District
- Sunshine 811: When Can I Dig?