Seminole County, FL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Core prohibition
- No junk vehicle kept in the open
- Exemptions
- Enclosed garage, covered carport, business storage
- Public property notice
- 10 days to remove before destruction
- Notice size
- At least 8 by 10 inches, weatherproof
- Private property process
- Chapter 95 nuisance abatement, 15 days
- Removal cost
- Billed to the vehicle's owner
Summary
Seminole County Code Section 120.2 makes it unlawful to abandon or keep a junk vehicle on any property in the unincorporated area, unless it sits in an enclosed garage, under a proper vehicle cover in a legal carport, or in a lawful business storage area. Vehicles left in the open on public property get a 10-day removal notice before the County destroys them; on private property the case runs through Chapter 95's nuisance process.
Sec. 120.2. - Abandonment or keeping prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to abandon or keep any junk vehicle on any property except that the provisions of this Section do not apply to any junk vehicle kept within an enclosed garage or shrouded with a vehicle cover in a legally permitted, permanent carport, or on the premises of a business enterprise when necessary to the functioning of such business operated in a lawful place and manner, or in an appropriate storage area or depository maintained in a lawful place and manner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1 | Land Development Code: Supplement 2).
Full Breakdown
1 defines a "Junk vehicle" as one that is "dismantled, wrecked, junked, nonoperating, or any combination of such conditions," with evidence including vegetation grown up underneath it, missing or dismantled major parts, no valid license tag, or being physically incapable of moving under its own power. 3 requires the Code Enforcement Officer to post a weatherproof notice at least 8 by 10 inches and mail a copy to the owner if identifiable; the owner has 10 days to remove it or show reasonable grounds for the delay, after which the County may remove and destroy the vehicle, applying any salvage value against the removal cost.
12 Notice to Remedy with its 15-day correction window rather than the 10-day public-property notice. 5 makes the vehicle's owner responsible for all removal and destruction expenses billed by the County's designated contractor.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove a junk vehicle from public property within 10 days of the posted notice, or without reasonable cause for the delay, is unlawful under Section 120.3(c) and exposes the vehicle to County removal and destruction at the owner's expense. On private property, an unremoved junk vehicle is a nuisance under Section 95.3(e), triggering the same Notice to Remedy, 15-day window, and escalating $100/$200 repeat fines used for other Chapter 95 nuisances, with unpaid costs recordable as a lien on the land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a broken-down car in my driveway in unincorporated Seminole County?
What evidence does the County use to call a vehicle "junk"?
How much time do I get to move a vehicle the County flags on public property?
Is the process different for a junk vehicle on my own private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seminole County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Seminole County to another location·View the Florida parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.