5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Polk County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Polk County requires all household waste to go inside the provided garbage roll cart with the lid opening to the street; no other container may be used. Carts must be curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day and within 3 feet of the curb and at least 3 feet from
Polk County Solid Waste, Residential Waste guidelines
All household waste must be placed inside the garbage roll cart, the garbage roll cart's lid must open to the street, no other container may be used for household waste, and the garbage roll cart must be within 3 feet of the curb or edge of the street and at least 3 feet from other fixed objects.
In unincorporated Polk County, overgrown lots, accumulated junk and debris, infestation, and vacant structures open to the public are prohibited under the county's Property Maintenance Ordinance (08-047). Code Enforcement can abate violations and bill the owner, adding the cost as a property lien.
Polk County Property Maintenance Ordinance 08-047; CS-24-194 Scope of Work
Mowing equipment must be sufficient to cut all vegetation in excess of twelve (12) inches to a height no more than three (3) inches. All vegetation and grass must be cut to three (3) inches.
On a lot two acres or less that is next to a home or business, grass and weeds may not exceed 18 inches on more than 10 percent of the property. Larger lots must keep vegetation under 18 inches within 200 feet of an adjacent developed parcel.
Polk County's Land Development Code does not set a countywide garage-sale permit or day limit; occasional residential yard sales are treated as accessory to the home. Sale signs must not be placed in the public right-of-way, and cities within the county set their own garage-sale rules.
Unincorporated Polk County caps grass and weeds at 18 inches on lots next to homes or businesses. When an owner ignores notice, the county mows vegetation over 12 inches down to 3 inches and bills the owner for the abatement.
2 cities in Polk County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Polk County Ordinance Hub →