Palm Beach County, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Vacant lot ≤ 0.5 acre
- 18 inches max, entire lot
- Vacant lot > 0.5 acre
- 18 inches on 25-ft buffer strip
- Noxious weeds
- Prohibited outright, no exceptions
- Redevelopment grace period
- 120 days after demolition permit
- Enforcement
- Special magistrate, F.S. § 162.01
Summary
Unincorporated Palm Beach County caps grass and weeds on vacant lots at 18 inches under a half acre, with a 25-foot buffer strip on larger parcels, enforced by Code Enforcement.
(c) Excessive growth of grass, weeds and low-growing vegetation. Grass, weeds and low-growing vegetation shall be maintained as follows: Vacant—Residential and Non-Residential | One-half acre or less | 18 inches on the entire lot. ... (3) All noxious weeds are prohibited. Noxious weeds shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens or native vegetation.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Palm Beach County's Housing Code defines a vacant lot as one where a home or principal structure has been demolished and not redeveloped, or that hasn't been developed since July 28, 1986. On vacant lots a half acre or smaller, grass and weeds can't exceed 18 inches anywhere on the lot; larger vacant lots must keep the first 25 feet next to a developed neighbor's property line under 18 inches. All noxious weeds are banned outright. Pulling a demolition permit starts a 120-day window to begin redevelopment before the standard mowing limits apply again. Applies only outside the county's 39 cities and towns.
Violations & Fines
Code Enforcement can cite violations before a special magistrate under F.S. § 162.01 or through county prosecution under F.S. § 125.69; the Board of County Commissioners may also sue to enjoin a violator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get on a vacant lot in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
Does this rule apply inside West Palm Beach or Boca Raton?
What happens after I demolish a house on my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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