Hialeah, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Sec. 78-33 imposes a duty distinct from the general lot-cleanliness rule in Sec. 78-31: the property owner, occupant and tenant of an owned, leased or occupied parcel are jointly and severally responsible for maintaining the front, side and rear yard, and the ground around any dumpster or waste container, in a clean and presentable condition, free of waste, trash, garbage, debris and litter. The duty extends to the swale area between the sidewalk and the street. As with the unimproved-lot standard in Sec. 78-32, grass or weeds taller than six inches is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section, so an inspector does not need to prove additional nuisance facts once the height is documented.

Because liability is joint and several, the city can pursue the owner, the occupant or the tenant, or all of them, for the same overgrown yard. Enforcement follows the same notice-and-cure process as other Article II nuisances: Sec. 78-34 requires the code inspector to notify the responsible party and allow at least 24 hours to correct the violation before further action, and Sec. 78-35 authorizes the city to mow or clear the yard itself and recover its costs as a special assessment lien against the property, bearing 8 percent annual interest, if the deadline passes uncorrected.

General penalties for Chapter 78 violations, set out in Sec. 78-7, escalate from $100 to $250 to $500 for repeat offenses when no specific fine is listed elsewhere in the chapter.