Miami-Dade County, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential limit
- 12 inches, over 10% of lot
- Nonresidential limit
- 18 inches, over 50% of lot
- Enforcer
- Team Metro Director
- Scope
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade (UMSA) only
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 60 days jail
Summary
Unincorporated Miami-Dade County caps grass and weeds at 12 inches on residential lots and 18 inches on nonresidential lots, with Team Metro issuing warning notices and civil citations for violations.
it shall be the responsibility of the responsible party for any lot in a residential-zoned district that is within 330 feet of a residential structure to regularly maintain their property to prevent the following: ... The growth or accumulation of any grass, weeds, non-native undergrowth or other dead plant life that exceeds the height of twelve (12) inches from the ground for more than ten (10) percent of the area to be maintained;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA), Code Section 19-13 bars grass, weeds, non-native undergrowth or dead plant life taller than 12 inches on more than 10 percent of a residential lot within 330 feet of a home. Section 19-14 sets an 18-inch limit covering more than half of a nonresidential lot. Team Metro's Director enforces both sections: a first-time violator gets a warning notice and, per Section 19-4.4, 14 days from the civil violation notice to correct the growth before the County pursues a Chapter 8CC civil citation, injunctive relief, or a criminal charge. The 34 incorporated cities, including Miami and Miami Beach, are not covered, each enforces its own separate weed and lot-maintenance code.
Violations & Fines
Grass or weeds exceeding 12 inches on over 10% of a residential lot, or 18 inches on over 50% of a nonresidential lot, after the warning period expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Miami or Miami Beach?
What happens the first time I'm cited?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
How Miami-Dade County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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