Collier County, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Code Sec. 54-185(c), 54-181
- Abatement depth
- 20 feet from right-of-way
- Exotics buffer
- 200-foot radius of homes
- Admin fee
- $100 per parcel
- Ag land exemption
- Outside Urban Boundary exempt
Summary
On unimproved lots in unincorporated Collier County, exotics, weeds and grass are a public nuisance where the lot is adjacent to a public or private right-of-way and outside a subdivision. Owners must abate the growth for at least 20 feet in from the right-of-way line; litter on vacant lots is
The accumulation of Exotics, weeds, grass or other similar nonprotected overgrowth is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance when located upon any unimproved property in this County, which condition is adjacent to a private or public right-of-way and is not within a Recorded or Unrecorded Subdivision.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 54-185(c) declares overgrowth on unimproved property a public nuisance when it lies adjacent to a right-of-way and outside a recorded or unrecorded subdivision, but abatement is required only for the portion within 20 feet of the right-of-way line. Sec. 54-185(d) treats exotic plants within a 200-foot radius of improved subdivision property as a nuisance (on complaint). Sec. 54-181 makes any unauthorized accumulation of litter on vacant or improved property a violation for which the owner is liable. Lands zoned Agricultural outside the Urban Boundary, and protected native vegetation, are exempt (Sec. 54-186).
Violations & Fines
Code Enforcement can abate and invoice the owner: cost of mowing plus a $100 administrative fee per parcel, with a $50 repeat-violation penalty and additional lien-processing fee if unpaid within 20 days (Sec. 54-188).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my vacant lot must I clear?
What if the County mows my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collier County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Collier County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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