Volusia County, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- Over 12 inches
- Correction period
- 15 days after notice
- Appeal fee
- $100.00 to county council
- County abatement fee
- $200.00 plus actual cost
- Lien interest
- 12% per annum
Summary
Volusia County declares grass, weeds, brush and undergrowth over 12 inches tall a nuisance on developed lots in the unincorporated county. Owners get 15 days after notice to cut before the county can abate the lot and lien the property.
Nuisance weeds means grass, weeds, brush and undergrowth (specifically excluding trees, planted ornamental shrubs or garden and landscape plants, and saw palmettos) which have grown in an uncontrolled manner or which have not been cared for or regularly maintained, and which have reached a height in excess of 12 inches.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 108 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 58-31 defines "nuisance weeds" as grass, weeds, brush and undergrowth -- specifically excluding trees, planted ornamental shrubs, garden plants and saw palmettos -- that have grown uncontrolled or gone uncared for and exceed 12 inches in height. Sec. 58-36 declares any lot where such nuisance weeds impair the economic value of, or create a fire or health hazard on, developed adjacent property to be in violation, along with lots that accumulate waste, yard trash, rubble or debris. Sec. 58-35 exempts land in bona fide agricultural use, several rural zoning classifications, natural vegetation easements, coastal dunes and any lot left entirely in an undisturbed natural state (unless it also harbors rubble or debris). Once the zoning enforcement official issues a notice under Sec. 58-39, the owner has 15 days under Sec. 00 fee under Sec. 58-40.
Violations & Fines
If the owner does not act within the 15-day correction period and no appeal is filed, Sec. 58-41 lets the zoning enforcement official enter the lot and cut it -- but no more than twice per year on the same lot. Sec. 58-42 then bills the owner the county's cost plus a $200.00 administrative fee, and an unpaid invoice after 30 days becomes a special assessment lien for the invoice plus an additional $100.00 fee, accruing interest at 12 percent per year under Sec. 58-42(f).
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass legally get in unincorporated Volusia County?
How long do I have to mow after getting a notice?
What does it cost if the county has to mow my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Volusia County
How Volusia County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Volusia County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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