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Orange County, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Section
§ 28-33
Applies to
Improved and unimproved lots
Cleanup notice
15 days to abate
Repeat fine
$100–$200 per § 28-40

Summary

Owners of improved or unimproved residential, office, commercial, or industrial lots in Orange County must keep the property free of accumulated trash, junk, debris, and yard waste.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Orange County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Subject to subsection (b), no owner, agent, custodian, lessee or occupant of property utilized or zoned for residential, professional office, commercial, or industrial use shall permit the accumulation of trash, junk, debris, or nonliving plant material on any exterior portion of the property, including the exterior portion of any building located thereon. Accordingly, such owner, agent, custodian or occupant shall maintain and keep the property free of accumulation of trash, junk, debris, and nonliving plant material.(b)Subsection (a) shall not be construed to prohibit any of the following:(1)The storage of trash, junk, debris and nonliving plant material in garbage containers or mechanical garbage containers which comply with all applicable ordinances relating to solid waste collection;(2)The storage of nonliving plant material in compost bins; or(3)Keeping wood on the property for use as fuel, provided:a.Such wood shall be piled, stacked, bundled, or corded and the area surrounding the piles, stacks, bundles or cords shall be free of excessive growth of grass, weeds, brush and branches; andb.Wood piles, stacks, bundles or cords shall be subject to other governing provisions of the Orange County Code, including those found in chapter 38; and(4)Trash, junk, debris and nonliving plant material placed on property at a properly permitted and licensed junkyard, landfill or recycling operation operating in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations.

Source: Orange County Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 128).

Full Breakdown

Code § 28-33 bars any owner, agent, custodian, lessee, or occupant from letting trash, junk, debris, or nonliving plant material pile up on the exterior of residential, professional office, commercial, or industrial property, improved or unimproved. Storage in approved garbage containers, licensed compost bins, or properly stacked firewood is exempt. Code enforcement can order cleanup and place a special assessment lien on the property for the cost.

Violations & Fines

A first violation gets a 15-day notice to clean up under section 28-38; unresolved violations lead to county cleanup billed as a lien, plus fines for repeat offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the lot-cleaning rule apply to a vacant, unimproved lot?
Yes. Section 28-33 explicitly covers residential, office, commercial, and industrial lots 'whether improved or unimproved' that accumulate trash, junk, or debris.
What happens if I don't clean up after a notice?
The county can clean the lot itself and record a special assessment lien for the cost, plus a fine for a second violation within 12 months.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Orange County

All Orange County rules

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