Winter Haven Minimum Property Maintenance Standards Sec. 302.4 (Ord. O-10-15) prohibits weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches in height on any premises. Cultivated flower beds, vegetable gardens, and Florida Friendly plants from the UF/IFAS Central region list are exempt.
MPMS Sec. 302.4 defines "weeds" as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation other than trees or shrubs. The 12-inch maximum applies to lawns and any unmaintained yard area. Cultivated flowers, vegetable gardens, and Central Florida region plants on the most current UF/IFAS Florida Friendly Plant List are exempt as long as they are maintained in an aesthetically pleasing manner and don't constitute a dangerous or nuisance condition (Code Official discretion). Noxious weeds are always prohibited. Vacant lots and unmaintained properties are routinely cited; the city may abate the nuisance and lien the property for the cost under MPMS Sec. 106.3 and FS Ch. 162. Common citation triggers include overgrown grass after foreclosure, accumulated yard debris, and weeds in driveway cracks.
Code Compliance issues a notice giving 10 days to mow; failure to comply allows the city to mow and lien the property for costs (typically $150-$400 per cut plus admin fee) under MPMS Sec. 106.3. Daily fines up to $250 through Special Magistrate under FS Ch. 162.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Winter Haven, FL
Most residential wood or chain-link fences in Winter Haven do not require a building permit if they stay within Sec. 21-103 height limits (typically 4 ft fro...
Winter Haven, FL
Winter Haven Minimum Property Maintenance Standards Sec. 704.2 (Ord. O-10-15) requires every dwelling unit to have a listed, approved smoke alarm installed a...
Winter Haven, FL
Backyard recreational fire pits in Winter Haven are governed by the Florida Fire Prevention Code (adopted via Code Chapter 6) and NFPA 1, which require fire ...
Winter Haven, FL
Outdoor burning of yard waste in Winter Haven is regulated by Code Chapter 6 (Fire Prevention and Protection), the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and Florida ...
Winter Haven, FL
Winter Haven Code Chapter 6 (Fire Prevention and Protection) adopts the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which incorporates Florida Statute Chapter 791 regulati...
Winter Haven, FL
Winter Haven does not currently operate a city-wide rental registration program for traditional long-term rentals. All rentals must meet the Minimum Property...
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