Broward County, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit, developed areas
- 6 inches
- Height limit, rural/estate/ag
- 18 inches
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Broward County only
- Duty covers
- Developed lots + undeveloped ≤1 acre
- Enforcement
- Chapter 8½ Code Enforcement
Summary
Broward County caps grass and weeds at 6 inches in developed unincorporated areas, 18 inches in rural, estate, and agricultural districts, and requires owners to clear overgrown hedges and groundcover from their lots and swales.
In developed areas, it shall be the responsibility of all owners of undeveloped parcels of land one (1) net acre or less and developed parcels of land to maintain such lands and contiguous swales free of overgrown hedges and groundcover. This provision shall not apply to land or parcels of land located in rural, estate and agricultural districts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward's Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 39, Article X) defines 'overgrown groundcover' at Sec. 39-131 as grass, weeds, and other low-growing plants that are not regularly maintained and grow uncontrolled past 6 inches in developed areas, or past 18 inches in developed agricultural, estate, and rural districts. Sec. 39-133(d) makes owners of developed parcels, and undeveloped parcels of one net acre or less, responsible for keeping their land and contiguous swale free of overgrown hedges and groundcover; the duty does not apply to land zoned rural, estate, or agricultural. Sec. 39-130(c) limits the whole article to unincorporated Broward County -- Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Coral Springs enforce their own overgrowth rules. Violations run through Chapter 8½ code enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement under Chapter 8½ issues a notice to cut overgrown groundcover or hedges; failure to comply lets the County abate the nuisance and bill the owner, with repeat violations drawing separate citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this weed rule apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
How tall can grass and weeds get before it's a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
How Broward County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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