Boca Raton, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 10-26 of the city code defines "untended vegetation" as grass, weeds or underbrush that exceeds 8 inches in height from the ground, plus dead trees, hedges or dense growth that creates a fire hazard, pest habitat, sightline obstruction or aesthetic harm. Section 10-27 makes it a violation for an owner or tenant to permit that vegetation, litter or stagnant water to accumulate on any parcel they own, lease or possess, or on the abutting right-of-way strip between the front plot line and the road centerline.

All three conditions are declared public nuisances. Owners are also barred under Section 10-1 from storing equipment, trash or debris on vacant or partially vacant lots without prior approval of the chief code administrator. When a violation is found, Section 10-29 requires the city to mail a certified notice giving the owner 7 days to abate; the owner can request a hearing before the special magistrate under Section 10-30 within that window. If the owner misses the deadline or the mailed notice comes back unclaimed, the city may post notice on the property and, after 5 more days, enter and abate the condition itself.

Abatement costs plus administrative charges become a lien on the property under Section 10-31, bearing 12 percent annual interest until paid, and are enforced the same way as a special assessment lien.