Martin County, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Applies to
- Any lot, improved or unimproved
- Notice period
- 15 calendar days to abate
- Enforcement
- Special Magistrate + lien for costs
Summary
Martin County bans weeds and undergrowth over 12 inches tall on any lot, improved or unimproved, when the growth risks pests, fire, or drainage problems.
The excessive accumulation of untended growth exceeding 12 inches in height of weeds, undergrowth or other dead or living plant life, other than undisturbed original natural growth, upon any lot, tract or parcel of land, improved or unimproved... is or may reasonably become infested or inhabited by rodents or vermin or may furnish a breeding place for mosquitoes, or is or may become a fire hazard... is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
County code caps untended weeds, undergrowth, or other plant growth at 12 inches on any lot, tract, or parcel, vacant or built, once it risks becoming a rodent or vermin habitat, a mosquito breeding ground, a fire hazard, a drainage problem, or a threat to public health or the value of neighboring property. Undisturbed native upland habitat is exempt. In the Primary and Secondary Urban Service Districts, the rule also reaches the strip between the property line and the edge of the roadway. Code Enforcement can order abatement and bill the owner.
Violations & Fines
Code Enforcement mails, hand-delivers, or posts a written notice to abate; the owner has 15 calendar days to cut the growth. Unresolved cases go to a Special Magistrate hearing, and the County may cut the vegetation itself and record a lien against the property for the abatement cost plus any fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to vacant land in Martin County?
Is native landscaping exempt from Martin County's weed rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
How Martin County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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