Jacksonville Beach, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 19-1(b)(1) lists noxious growth and other rank vegetation such as weeds, grass, vines, palmetto scrub, or other similar vegetative growth among the conditions declared a public nuisance. The trigger is a height of ten (10) inches or more, on any property premises or land within a developed area of the city. The rule is not limited to vacant ground. It covers any public or private property, and the code states that its list of nuisances is not conclusive, limiting or restrictive.

Whether a lot sits in a developed area is a printed test. A developed area is any platted or occupied section of the city abutting a public right-of-way in which twenty-five (25) percent of the lots in a block or tract have been developed by the building of a residential or commercial structure. In an undeveloped area the fire marshal can declare a lot a nuisance under the Fire and Life Safety Code adopted by Chapter 10 of the Jacksonville Beach Code.

Section 19-2 designates the building official and the code enforcement officers as the enforcement officials. They hold a right of entry on real property to inspect and are immune from trespass claims while discharging those duties, and they can impose a lien on the lot for the actual costs of terminating, suppressing and abating the violation. The same immunity extends to the fire marshal, city engineer and other city employees acting under the chapter.

Section 19-3 starts the clock. After investigation, the officials prepare an estimate of the total cost and serve a written notice to remove, suppress, or abate within twenty (20) days after service. Service is by hand delivery or certified mail, return receipt requested. When the owner cannot be found after reasonable and diligent inquiry, the notice is posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and a copy is mailed to the last known address or the address in the official tax records.