Orange County, FL Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Max bins per lot
- 2 per primary structure
- Setback
- 10 ft from side/rear lines
- Front yard
- Not allowed
- Screening
- Required
- 2nd violation fine
- $100
Summary
Unincorporated Orange County residents may compost yard waste, but only in a proper bin: two bins per lot maximum, screened from view, never in the front yard, and kept 10 feet off side and rear lines.
Accumulations of nonliving plant material may be permitted to remain on property utilized or zoned for residential, professional office, commercial, or industrial use provided that such debris is stored in a compost bin. No more than two (2) compost bins per primary structure shall be allowed to remain on on any particular lot, tract or parcel of property. In addition, the area surrounding any compost bin shall be kept free of excessive growths of grass or weeds in order to prevent rodents, vermin, reptiles or other wild animals from living and breeding around the base of or inside of the bin. Compost bins shall be adequately screened. A compost bin shall not be located in the front yard in front of the principal structure and shall not be located within ten (10) feet of any side or rear property line. In addition, for purposes of reverse corner lots and side street yard lots, compost bins shall be treated as structures and shall comply with applicable regulations.
(Code 1965, § 16-30; Ord. No. 88-1, § 13, 1-11-88; Ord. No. 89-11, § 1(13), 8-7-89; Ord. No. 98-17, § 6, 8-11-98)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 128).
Full Breakdown
County Code Sec. 28-35 exempts compost bins from the general ban on accumulating nonliving plant material (Sec. 28-33(b)(2)), but sets standards: no more than two bins per primary structure, screening required, and the area around each bin must stay free of excessive grass or weed growth to keep out rodents and vermin. Bins can't sit in the front yard or within 10 feet of a side or rear property line.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Sec. 28-35 is enforced the same as trash accumulation under Sec. 28-38: a notice giving 15 days to abate, then a $100 fine for a second violation within 12 months and $200 for a third or later, plus a special assessment lien for cleanup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many compost bins can I have in unincorporated Orange County?
Can I put a compost bin in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
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