Weed Ordinances: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do weed ordinances rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Cape Coral and Fort Myers have similar restriction levels.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
The Lee County Lot Mowing Ordinance (No. 14-08) declares grasses and weeds over 12 inches on lots a nuisance in unincorporated areas. The County notices owners, then mows and liens the property if the overgrowth is not abated.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Fort Myers Code Compliance enforces a citywide 12-inch maximum height for grass, weeds and underbrush on all property, including vacant lots, plus the adjacent right-of-way strip. Violations are corrected by City-contracted abatement billed and liened against the property. The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates state-listed noxious weeds separately.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| Nuisance threshold | Weeds over 12 inches | - |
| Ordinance | Lot Mowing No. 14-08 | - |
| Abatement window | 21 days | - |
| Repeat fee (3rd notice) | $450 | - |
| Ag land | Exempt | - |
| Local Height Limit | - | 12 inches (grass, weeds, underbrush) |
| Applies To | - | All property incl. vacant lots + ROW strip |
| State Weed Authority | - | FDACS — FS Chapter 581 |
| Abatement Remedy | - | City-contracted mowing + lien |
| Enforcement | - | Fort Myers Code Compliance (239-321-7940) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
Are tall weeds a code violation in Lee County?
Yes. In unincorporated Lee County, grasses and weeds over 12 inches near developed property are a declared nuisance under Ordinance No. 14-08 and must be cut after notice.
What happens if I ignore a weed notice?
After 21 days, the County mows the lot and bills the actual cost plus a $150 fee, recorded as a lien. Repeat violations can add a $450 administrative fee.
Fort Myers FAQ
Can the City mow my yard and bill me?
Yes. After a Notice of Violation and a missed compliance deadline, the City contracts the abatement and records a special assessment lien against the parcel for the cost plus an administrative fee. This is the standard remedy under the Common Code Violations program.
Does Florida-Friendly Landscaping let me skip mowing?
No. FS 373.185 protects your right to install Florida-Friendly Landscaping against HOA and local bans, but it does not override the City's 12-inch height limit for grass, weeds and underbrush, and it does not exempt you from noxious-weed control under FDACS authority.
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