Hillsborough County, FL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 8-116(b), Property Maintenance Code
- Height limit
- 10 inches
- Measured within
- 200 feet of structure or ROW
- Exempt
- Agricultural and legally protected land
Summary
Hillsborough County caps weeds, grass and underbrush at ten inches within 200 feet of any building, structure, recreational area or street right-of-way, with exceptions for agricultural land and legally protected vegetation.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant of any premises, lot, plot or tract of land to allow, permit or maintain at any time upon any such premises, lot, plot or tract of land, any weeds, grass or underbrush of a height exceeding ten inches within 200 feet of any building, structure, recreational area or street right-of-way.
Exceptions:
(1) Agricultural properties where the vegetative growth supports the agricultural use on the property.
(2) Lands protected by local, State or federal law.
(c) Nuisance conditions. All exterior property areas and premises shall be free from any nuisance condition as defined by this article. Nothing shall be placed, constructed, or maintained on any premises that shall in any way constitute a nuisance or fire hazard. No unsightly or unsanitary accumulation which actually harbors or is likely to harbor rodents, insects, reptiles or any poison or germ carriers shall be permitted to exist.
(d) Fences. All fences, whether required or not, shall be maintained in sound structural condition, and free from defect which may cause injury.
Supp. No. 21 CD8:37 § 8-116 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, LAWS, PART A, GENERAL ORDINANCES
(e) Vehicles. All inoperable vehicles, as defined by this Code, including inoperable domestic vehicles, recreational vehicles, water vehicles, commercial vehicles, and non-
Full Breakdown
Sec. 8-116(b) of the Property Maintenance Code makes it unlawful for an owner, lessee or occupant to let weeds, grass or underbrush grow past ten inches anywhere within 200 feet of a building, structure, recreational area or street right-of-way on their lot. The limit doesn't apply to agricultural properties where the growth supports the farming use, or to vegetation protected by local, state or federal law. Code Enforcement can cite the responsible party and order the overgrowth cut.
Violations & Fines
Overgrowth past the ten-inch limit draws a code enforcement notice of violation; unresolved cases can move to a special magistrate hearing with fines, and the county may ultimately mow the lot and lien the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass legally get in unincorporated Hillsborough County?
Are farms exempt from the weed height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
How Hillsborough County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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