Margate, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Chapter 22 of the Margate Code, Land Clearance, covers vacant land directly. Section 22-1(a) applies to land that is unoccupied or occupied and forbids permitting any accumulation of undergrowth, rubbish, debris, bush or brush, unsightly and unsanitary matter, decayed vegetable matter, filth, dangerous trees, trash or growth of weeds or noxious plants. It also bars a dense growth of trees, vines or underbrush. Under subsection (c), grass or weeds cannot grow above twelve inches on any property in the city other than improved property, which has the tighter six-inch limit. Subsection (e) adds unmaintained pools and surface water.

Notice runs through Sections 22-2 and 22-4. The city mails a certified letter from the county tax records giving ten days after mailing to clear or mow. If the lot is unoccupied and the owner's address is unknown or not on the county property appraiser rolls, the notice is posted on the property. The notice also states that the city will abate a recurrence without further notice.

If the owner does nothing, Section 22-3 lets the city clear the lot with its own staff or a contractor. Costs include equipment at commercial rates, employee salaries, a 25 percent benefits addition and a 6 percent return, and $25.00 for each additional notice on the same problem. Costs plus interest at the Florida Statutes section 170.09 rate become a special assessment lien, ahead of all other liens except government taxes. Emergency conditions allow abatement after reasonable efforts to notify the owner.

Other sections touch vacant lots too. Section 33-29 treats junk, trash, debris and abandoned equipment as a nuisance and gives nonoperating vehicles 48 hours to leave a property. Section 19-14(g) bars dumping grass clippings, leaves or small rubbish on vacant lots.