Palm Bay, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Near lot lines
- 12 in. within 15 ft.
- Near roads/drainage
- 24 in. within 15 ft.
- Applies to
- Unimproved (vacant) real property
- Wildlife exception
- Scrub Jay, gopher tortoise habitat
- City remedy
- Clearing plus lien on property
Summary
Palm Bay requires owners of vacant, unimproved lots to keep weeds and vegetation under 12 or 24 inches near property lines and roads, with an exception for protected-species habitat.
It shall be unlawful for owners of unimproved real property located within the city whose property line adjoins or abuts improved real property to either permit weeds, grass, undergrowth or other vegetative matter (except as defined in Chapter 175 of the Palm Bay Code of Ordinances) to grow thereon to a height of more than twelve inches (12") within fifteen feet (15') of the side and rear lot lines. Enforcement of the above requirement shall only require one individual side or rear lot line be brought into compliance. The requirement to remove vegetation along a lot line shall only be required abutting improved properties.
(2) Owners of unimproved property shall also keep their property free from rubbish, trash, debris, junk, dead, fallen or partially fallen trees which may endanger other persons or property or to allow other unsightly or unsanitary matter to remain thereon, or to allow any condition to remain or continue by act or omission that shall constitute a public nuisance.
(3) Owners of unimproved lots adjacent to improved lots may petition for exemption from this subsection by providing a written request from adjacent improved property owners indicating that said property owners do not object to the encroachment of weeds, grass, undergrowth, or other vegetative matter from the unimproved lot.
(B) It shall be unlawful for owners of unimproved real property located within the city to allow weeds, grass, undergrowth, bushes, or other vegetative
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Palm Bay Code § 93.04 bars owners of unimproved (vacant) real property from letting weeds, grass, or vegetative matter exceed twelve inches within fifteen feet of a side or rear lot line abutting improved property, or exceed twenty-four inches within fifteen feet of a road or drainage right-of-way. Owners must also keep the lot free of rubbish, debris, and dead or fallen trees. The rule exempts habitat needed for the Florida Scrub Jay, gopher tortoise, or other protected species, and the City Manager may authorize the Fire Chief to clear a lot found in violation.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement of the lot-line standard is limited to complaints from abutting property owners, tenants, or occupants; violations draw a public-nuisance citation under §§ 93.04 and 93.99, and the city may clear the lot itself and lien the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Palm Bay force clearing of a vacant lot?
Are vacant lots exempt from weed rules to protect wildlife?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle vacant lot maintenance.