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Lee County, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Private land, unincorporated Lee County
Nuisance accumulations
Garbage, trash, rubbish, inoperative vehicles
Overgrown lots
Grass and weeds over 12 inches
Fine
Up to $250 per day
Lien interest
12 percent per year

Summary

Piles of garbage, refuse, trash, rubbish, inoperative vehicles or abandoned property on private land in unincorporated Lee County are a declared public nuisance. So is grass over 12 inches on an unimproved lot near developed property.

City-specific rules exist: Cape Coral, and Fort Myers have their own property blight rules that differ from Lee County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

NUISANCE ACCUMULATIONS - means garbage, refuse, trash, rubbish, inoperable vehicles, or abandoned or lost property which is located on private property where the Lee County Zoning Ordinance does not permit disposal of such items.

Source: Lee County Code of Ordinances & Land Development Code (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 18-92 declares nuisance accumulations on private property a public nuisance where the land is not a permitted junkyard, wrecking yard or landfill, the accumulation impairs the economic value of the underlying or adjacent property, creates a danger to public health or safety, is an attractive nuisance or a fire hazard, and is not part of a scheduled garbage removal service. The lot mowing article adds that grasses and weeds over 12 inches covering more than 50 percent of an unimproved lot are a nuisance within 150 feet of developed adjacent property. If you do not abate after notice, the county may clear the land, bill you, and record a lien.

Violations & Fines

Section 18-96 allows a fine up to $250 per day, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both, with each continuing day a separate offense. Unpaid abatement assessments accrue 12 percent interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply inside Fort Myers or Cape Coral?
No. Section 18-91 defines private property as privately owned lands and improvements located within the unincorporated areas of the county, so this article reaches only unincorporated Lee County.
Can the county clear my lot and bill me?
Yes. Under Section 18-94(d) the county may abate the nuisance, bill you for the full cost including administrative and operating costs, demand payment within 21 days, and then record a special assessment lien.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lee County

Vacant Lot MaintenanceSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsRight to Farm: Farm Nuisance ProtectionFew Restrictions

All Lee County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview

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Property Blight in Cities Across Lee County

Cape Coral, FLFort Myers, FL