Highlands County, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 18 inches for weeds/vegetation
- Applies to
- Improved lots (built property)
- Exempted plants
- Trees, ornamental bushes, flowers, ornamental plants
- Notice period
- 15 days before county abates
- Non-payment consequence
- Lien at 10% annual interest
- Citation
- Highlands County Code § 5.6-2(1)
Summary
On improved property in unincorporated Highlands County, weeds and other vegetation, aside from trees, ornamental bushes, flowers or other ornamental plants, cannot exceed 18 inches in height. Code § 5.6-2(1) declares taller growth a nuisance, subject to the same notice, abatement and lien process used for other code violations.
The maintaining, using, placing, depositing, leaving or permitting to be or remain on any public or private property of any of the following items, conditions or actions is hereby declared to be and constitute a nuisance, provided that this enumeration shall not be construed as a designation of all nuisances: ... (1)Any weeds, such as broom grass, jimson, burdock, ragweed, sandspur or other similar weeds or any other vegetation, other than trees, ornamental bushes, flowers or other ornamental plants with a height exceeding 18 inches.
Full Breakdown
6-2's opening clause declares that maintaining, placing or permitting any of a list of conditions on public or private property is a nuisance, and item (1) on that list names weeds such as broom grass, jimson, burdock, ragweed and sandspur, plus any other vegetation other than trees, ornamental bushes, flowers or ornamental plants, once it exceeds 18 inches in height. Because item (6) of the same section exempts unimproved land covered in natural Florida vegetation, pastureland, orange groves and farmland, the 18-inch cap functions as the working standard for developed, improved property: yards around houses, businesses and other built lots. 6-8, into a lien against the property that accrues ten percent annual interest starting 30 days after approval.
Violations & Fines
If overgrown weeds are not cut within the 15 days a section 5.6-4 notice allows, or within five days after a hearing that goes against the owner, section 5.6-6 authorizes the county or a hired contractor to cut the lot and charge the owner for it. Unpaid costs and administrative fees become a special assessment lien under sections 5.6-7 and 5.6-8, carrying ten percent yearly interest and eligible for foreclosure after one year under F.S. ch. 173.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds get before it's a violation in Highlands County?
Does the 18-inch rule apply to my vacant land too?
What happens if I don't cut my overgrown yard after getting a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highlands County
How Highlands County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Highlands County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.