Bonita Springs, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 10-97 sits in division 3, the Bonita Springs Property Maintenance Code, and binds every landowner or person owning, leasing, operating or having control of vacant property within the city. Section 10-92(c) defines the landowner by the owner listed with the county property appraiser, but a tenant or other person can also be cited when it is documented that they control the property.

Four categories are declared a public nuisance on a vacant lot. First, accumulations of dry vegetation, weeds, grass, uncultivated vegetation and invasive exotics as defined in section 3-422(f) of the Land Development Code, when the growth threatens the health, safety or economic welfare of abutting owners, presents a visual blight upon neighborhoods, harbors insect or rodent infestation, becomes a fire or flood hazard, or overhangs or grows across property lines. Second, motor vehicles, boats or trailers parked or abandoned on the lot unless the Land Development Code designates and approves them. Third, abandoned or broken equipment and debris, which the section spells out as discarded furniture, household appliances, packing boxes, lumber, construction material, solid waste, horticultural debris and salvage materials. Fourth, inhabitation of the lot, and any condition that causes a substantial diminution of value of nearby property, unless the Land Development Code approves the use or an active building permit covers it.

The Lot Mowing Ordinance in article III of chapter 20 adds a measurable trigger. Under § 20-53, grasses and weeds in excess of 16 inches in height on a lot of less than one acre are a nuisance when any part of the growth lies within 150 feet of the boundary of developed adjacent property. On acreage, only the part within 150 feet of a residential, commercial, industrial, public or quasi-public use counts. Section 10-94(a) separately bars storing materials or equipment, including fences, on vacant property except as the property maintenance code, chapter 4 of the Land Development Code or an active building permit allows.

Section 10-103 authorizes the county sheriff's office and the city code enforcement manager to enforce the article, with the city manager or designee receiving complaints and giving the required notices.