Margate, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 22-1(b) of the Margate Code makes it unlawful for an owner, occupant, lessee or person in control of land in the city to let grass or weeds grow above six inches on any improved property. Subsection (d) defines improved property as real property on which a house, store, building or other structure has been or is being erected, and also any property used as a park or other recreational area. A lot with a half-built house is already improved, so the six-inch limit applies during construction. Subsection (c) sets a twelve-inch limit for every other property in the city.

Section 22-2 sets the process. The city sends a certified letter, addressed from the county tax records, asking for the lot to be cleared or mowed and warning that the city will do it unless the owner acts within ten days after mailing. The notice is complete whether or not a return receipt comes back, and it says the city will keep abating the same nuisance on that property without further notice if it recurs.

When the city mows, the owner is billed for equipment at current commercial rates, employee salaries including code enforcement and notice preparation, a 25 percent addition for supplemental and fringe benefits, and a 6 percent return to the city. Each additional notice to the same owner for the same or similar problem adds $25.00. The city manager can instead hire a lot clearing business, and the city attorney can seek a civil injunction first.

Under Section 22-3, unpaid costs plus interest at the Florida Statutes section 170.09 rate become a special assessment lien on the lot, ranking ahead of all other liens except government taxes. The city recovers attorney's fees in a foreclosure. In an emergency the city can abate after reasonable efforts to notify the owner.