5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Sarasota County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Sarasota County, owners and occupants must keep premises free of accumulated solid waste and recyclables not properly stored (Sec. 106-58). Improperly stored junk also violates the Property Standards Ordinance as "Improper Outdoor Storage."
Sarasota County Code Sec. 106-58(c)
The owner and/or occupant of any Premises located in the unincorporated area of the County, except authorized Disposal Sites, shall maintain the Premises free from all Solid Waste not properly stored as required by this Article... whether generated or accumulated from on or off the Premises.
Unincorporated Sarasota County declares excessive vegetation growth, improper outdoor storage of junk, and graffiti to be public nuisances under the Property Standards Ordinance (Sec. 54-473). Owners must abate; the County may abate and lien the property.
Sarasota County Code Sec. 54-473
"Excessive growth," "Improper Outdoor Storage," "Graffiti," and "Mosquito Breeding Areas" on private lands are hereby declared to be public nuisances and are prohibited. No person shall allow the existence of, have, create, keep, maintain, or permit such public nuisances.
Vacant lots in unincorporated Sarasota County must not have Excessive Growth: vegetation over 12 inches that is untended and near improved property. The Property Standards Ordinance (Sec. 54-473) treats it as a public nuisance the County can abate.
Sarasota County Code Sec. 54-475(8)
Excessive Growth shall mean the uncontrolled growth of vegetation that: (a) Is not cultivated or regularly tended; (b) Has reached a height in excess of twelve (12) inches; (c) Is or may reasonably become infested by pests; (d) May create a fire or safety hazard...
Unincorporated Sarasota County has no separate garage-sale permit or per-year cap in its code; occasional residential yard sales are allowed. Sale merchandise and signs must not create Improper Outdoor Storage or blight, and incorporated cities set their own limits.
In unincorporated Sarasota County, grass and weeds over 12 inches are "Excessive Growth" and a public nuisance under the Property Standards Ordinance (Sec. 54-473, 54-475). Owners must cut it; the County can mow and lien the property.
Sarasota County Code Sec. 54-475(8)
Excessive Growth shall mean the uncontrolled growth of vegetation that: ... (b) Has reached a height in excess of twelve (12) inches... Excessive growth includes vegetation... growing from private lands into or across public rights-of-way, utility easements, sidewalks, drainage ditches, swales, or streets.
3 cities in Sarasota County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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