Jacksonville, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 15 inches
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code § 518.202
- Enforcer
- Municipal Code Compliance Division
- Offense class
- Class E, daily
- Unpaid abatement
- Becomes a lien on title
Summary
Jacksonville declares weeds, grass, underbrush and undergrowth over 15 inches tall a public nuisance on any lot, enforceable citywide by Municipal Code Compliance.
Nuisance vegetation which exceeds a height of 15 inches over the majority of the parcel or growth or weeds, grass, underbrush or undergrowth, or other noxious vegetation (but not including trees, plants or other vegetation protected by State law) which fully or partially obstructs the parcel or any public right-of-way, sidewalk or other type of passage.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Ordinance Code § 518.202, any lot, tract or parcel within 100 feet of an occupied structure (or any parcel the Chief flags case by case) is a public nuisance if nuisance vegetation exceeds 15 inches over the majority of the parcel, or if weeds, grass, underbrush, undergrowth or other noxious vegetation obstructs the lot or an adjoining right-of-way, sidewalk or passage. The rule does not cover trees, plants or other vegetation protected by state law. Because Jacksonville and Duval County are consolidated, this applies countywide except within Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Baldwin, which run their own codes. The Municipal Code Compliance Division (Neighborhoods Department) posts notice and can refer unresolved cases to the Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Division for cutting, with cost billed back as a special assessment lien.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a class E offense under § 518.204, with a separate offense for each day it continues; unpaid abatement costs become a special assessment lien on the property under § 518.210.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass legally get in Jacksonville?
What happens if I don't cut overgrown grass after notice?
Does this rule apply at the beaches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
How Jacksonville compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville 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.