Jacksonville, FL Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)

Section 518.202 applies to any lot, tract, parcel or contiguous swale, improved or unimproved, within 100 feet of an improved property holding a building or other premises occupied by people. Beyond 100 feet the Chief of Municipal Code Compliance can still act on a case by case basis when the land is or could become infested by rodents, vermin or animals, could breed mosquitoes, or threatens public health, safety or welfare.

Vegetation is item (1) and has three separate tests. Growth over 15 inches across the majority of the parcel is a nuisance. So is growth, weeds, grass, underbrush or undergrowth that fully or partially obstructs the parcel or any public right-of-way, sidewalk or other passage, with trees and plants protected by State law carved out. The third test covers noxious weeds classified by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that were intentionally planted or propagated on the parcel. When the city removes noxious weeds, Section 518.209 requires removal, transportation and disposal techniques that stop any further spread.

Item (5) lists garbage, trash, rubbish or debris. Chapter 518 defines garbage as animal and vegetable waste from handling, preparing, cooking and eating food, trash as discarded, unwanted or worthless materials, and rubbish to include tree branches and yard trimmings. Item (6) covers junk or abandoned vehicles. A junk vehicle is an inoperable vehicle. An abandoned vehicle has no license plate or an invalid one, unless it sits in a completely enclosed building or on a bona fide sales lot, storage yard or wrecking yard. Section 518.203 sets a 15 day limit for a junk or abandoned vehicle, nuisance mobile home or modular building to remain on private property, with an exception for a licensed vehicle repair business or active restoration when the work happens inside a closed building.

Item (8) makes an unsecured vacant building or dwelling a nuisance, and item (9) lists graffiti. Other entries reach structures that shelter pests, stagnant ponds, swimming pools where the main drain grate is not completely visible from the pool deck, dead or dying trees, limbs and branches, and, on vacant buildings, bushes taller than the lowest windowsill or covering an entryway.

The process starts with a notice posted on the property. It describes the nuisance, the abatement period, the appeal period and the lien warning. The owner, custodian, agent, lessee, trustee or occupant then has 15 days to petition the Building Codes Adjustment Board for a hearing. Vehicle cases follow Section 670.106 instead.