Broward County, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Broward only
- Size threshold
- Undeveloped lots ≤1 net acre
- Duty
- Clear overgrown hedges, groundcover
- First-offense fine
- $175
- Repeat-offense fine
- $350
Summary
In unincorporated Broward County, owners of undeveloped lots one net acre or smaller must keep the land and swale free of overgrown hedges and groundcover, with civil fines for eyesore violations.
In developed areas, it shall be the responsibility of all owners of undeveloped parcels of land one (1) net acre or less and developed parcels of land to maintain such lands and contiguous swales free of overgrown hedges and groundcover. This provision shall not apply to land or parcels of land located in rural, estate and agricultural districts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 39-133(d) of the Broward County Code makes it every owner's duty in developed areas to keep undeveloped parcels of one net acre or less, plus developed parcels, free of overgrown hedges and groundcover on the lot and contiguous swale; land in rural, estate and agricultural districts is exempt. A companion provision, Sec. 39-132(a), separately declares an overgrown, eyesore lot a public nuisance. Because Sec. 39-2 limits the whole Zoning Code to the unincorporated area, this duty does not reach lots inside Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs or Broward's other 27 cities, which enforce their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement cites an overgrown vacant lot as a nuisance under Sec. 39-132(a) or a maintenance failure under Sec. 39-133; the Sec. 8½-16 civil penalty schedule sets $175 for a first violation and $350 for a repeat violation for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a vacant lot in Fort Lauderdale?
What's the fine for letting a vacant lot get overgrown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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