Jacksonville, FL Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Vegetation height limit
- 15 inches (Sec. 518.202(1))
- Junk/abandoned vehicle limit
- 15 days on private property
- Correction window before citation
- Up to 30 days (Sec. 609.104(c))
- Penalty class
- Class E offense, $355 total fine
- Appeal deadline
- 15 days to petition Building Codes Adjustment Board
- Enforcing agency
- Municipal Code Compliance Division
Summary
Jacksonville's Property Maintenance Code declares specific property conditions public nuisances that residents can report to the Municipal Code Compliance Division: vegetation over 15 inches, garbage and debris piles, junk or abandoned vehicles left more than 15 days, graffiti, and unsecured vacant buildings. A Code Enforcement Officer investigates, gives the owner up to 30 days to correct the condition, and can issue a citation carrying a Class E offense fine if it isn't fixed.
The following described conditions occurring or being upon any lot, tract or parcel of land... are each hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance: (1)Nuisance vegetation which exceeds a height of 15 inches over the majority of the parcel or growth or weeds, grass, underbrush or undergrowth, or other noxious vegetation (but not including trees, plants or other vegetation protected by State law) which fully or partially obstructs the parcel or any public right-of-way, sidewalk or other type of passage.(5)Garbage, trash, rubbish or debris.(6)Junk or abandoned vehicles, or any vehicle which:(a)Threatens or endangers public safety or welfare;(b)Creates a blighting influence upon the neighborhood where the vehicle rests; or(c)Is, or may reasonably become infested or inhabited by rodents, vermin or animals, or may furnish a breeding place for rodents, vermin or animals.(9)Graffiti.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
202 of the Ordinance Code lists the conditions the Chief of the Municipal Code Compliance Division treats as public nuisances on any lot within 100 feet of an occupied structure, or anywhere the Chief determines the condition threatens public health: nuisance vegetation over 15 inches, uncontrolled rodent or pest harborage, stagnant or unmaintained pools, garbage and debris, junk or abandoned vehicles, unsecured vacant buildings, graffiti, dead or dying trees, and overgrown bushes covering windows or entryways on vacant structures. 203, with a narrow exception for licensed repair shops working inside an enclosed building.
Enforcement runs through the citywide citation program in Chapter 609. 104(c), a correction period of up to 30 days before issuing a citation, unless the violation is a repeat offense or presents a serious health or safety threat, in which case the officer may cite immediately. 206 requires the Chief to post notice on the property describing the nuisance, the abatement deadline, and the right to petition the Building Codes Adjustment Board for a hearing. 210.
Violations & Fines
Failing to correct a Chapter 518 nuisance is a Class E offense under Section 518.204, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense; Schedule A1 in Section 609.109 sets the Class E fine at $350 plus $5 in costs, a $355 total per citation. If the owner doesn't abate the nuisance or request a hearing, the City can perform the abatement itself and record the cost as a lien on the property under Section 518.210.
Frequently Asked Questions
What property conditions can I report as code violations in Jacksonville?
How long does a property owner get to fix a cited violation?
What happens if the violation still isn't fixed?
Can a cited property owner appeal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida code violation reporting overview
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