Coral Gables, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed/grass height limit
- 12 inches
- Governing section
- Sec. 34-55
- City abatement notice
- 5 days after service
- Unpaid cleanup cost
- Becomes a lien on property
- Max fine
- $500 (or $1,000/day board fine)
Summary
Coral Gables caps weeds, grass, and undergrowth on any lot at 12 inches and bans rubbish, debris, and standing water that breeds mosquitoes.
It shall be unlawful for any owner of any lot, parcel or tract of land within the city to permit weeds, grass or undergrowth to grow thereon to a height of 12 inches or more from the ground; or to permit rubbish, trash, debris, dead trees or other unsightly or unsanitary matter to remain thereon; or to permit the existence of depressions or excavations or any other condition on such premises wherein water may accumulate and stand in such manner or fashion as to make possible the propagation of mosquitoes therein. Violations of this section are punishable as provided in section 1-7.
(Code 1958, § 15-27; Code 1991, § 16-26; Code 2006, § 34-21; Ord. No. 2442, § 1, 1-11-1983)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 34-55, owners of any lot, parcel, or tract in Coral Gables may not let weeds, grass, or undergrowth exceed 12 inches, or let rubbish, trash, debris, or dead trees remain on the property, or let depressions or excavations hold standing water where mosquitoes can breed. The city can also enter improved or unimproved property directly to clear weeds, trees, and debris after five days' notice under Sec. 34-2, and bill the cost as a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Violation of Sec. 34-55 is punishable under Sec. 1-7: up to a $500 fine and/or 60 days imprisonment, or code enforcement board fines up to $1,000/day (first violation) and $5,000/day (repeat).
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get on a vacant lot in Coral Gables?
What happens if I don't clear weeds after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
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