Miami-Dade County, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential weed limit
- 12 inches over 10% of lot
- Non-residential weed limit
- 18 inches over 50% of lot
- Geographic scope
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade (UMSA) only
- Enforcing agency
- Team Metro code enforcement
- Max criminal penalty
- 60 days jail or $500 fine
Summary
In unincorporated Miami-Dade County, residential lots must keep grass and weeds under 12 inches over at least 90% of the area, or face code enforcement citations.
In accordance with Section 19-14, it shall be the responsibility of the responsible party for any lot in a residential-zoned district that is within 330 feet of a residential structure to regularly maintain their property to prevent the following: ...(2)The growth or accumulation of any grass, weeds, non-native undergrowth or other dead plant life that exceeds the height of twelve (12) inches from the ground for more than ten (10) percent of the area to be maintained;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Miami-Dade's Responsible Property Owner and Merchant Act, enforced by Team Metro, applies as the minimum standard only in the unincorporated area (UMSA). On residential-zoned lots within 330 feet of a residential structure, grass, weeds and dead plant life may not exceed 12 inches in height over more than 10 percent of the lot. Non-residential lots get an 18-inch cap over up to 50 percent of the area, but maintenance is required only within 100 feet of a structure or improved road. Owners also get a warning notice before civil citations follow under Chapter 8CC.
Violations & Fines
First offense draws a warning notice; repeat or unabated violations bring a Chapter 8CC civil citation, a special assessment lien if the County abates the nuisance, injunctive relief, or misdemeanor charges up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Miami or Miami Beach?
How tall can weeds get on a vacant residential lot before it's a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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