Vacant lots in Homestead must be maintained to the same standards as occupied properties. Grass and vegetation must be kept below 12 inches. Dumping is prohibited. The city actively enforces vacant lot maintenance given Homestead's rapid growth and numerous undeveloped parcels, particularly in areas recovering from Hurricane Andrew.
Homestead has significant numbers of vacant lots due to its ongoing growth, agricultural land transitions, and parcels that remained undeveloped after Hurricane Andrew devastation. All vacant lots must be maintained with grass below 12 inches, no accumulated debris or dumped materials, no standing water that creates mosquito breeding habitat, and proper fencing if the lot poses safety hazards. The city actively patrols for vacant lot violations and processes complaints quickly. Property owners who fail to maintain vacant lots after notice receive fines and may have the city clear the lot at the owner's expense, with costs liened against the property. Liens for multiple clearings can accumulate to significant amounts. Vacant lots near residential areas receive priority enforcement. Properties in flood zones must maintain drainage patterns even when vacant. Vacant lot owners are encouraged to either develop or actively maintain their properties. Agricultural use may be an option on larger parcels with appropriate zoning.
Vacant lot violations carry fines of $100 to $500 per day. City clearance costs are liened against the property, typically $500 to $2,000+ per clearing. Contact Code Compliance at (305) 224-4800.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Homestead's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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