Vacant lots in unincorporated Sarasota County must not have Excessive Growth: vegetation over 12 inches that is untended and near improved property. The Property Standards Ordinance (Sec. 54-473) treats it as a public nuisance the County can abate.
Under Sec. 54-475, "Excessive Growth" is uncontrolled vegetation over twelve inches that is not regularly tended and may become infested, create a hazard, or lower property values, including growth crossing into rights-of-way. The ordinance carves out exemptions: vegetation on a lot in a natural state or not mowed within the past five years, and vegetation more than 200 feet from another improved property, street, or right-of-way. "Rural" and "Semi-Rural" unplatted land is also exempt except for mosquito and graffiti rules. Platted vacant lots near homes must be mowed; the County abates and liens if the owner does not.
Notice of Public Nuisance with a correction deadline; failure to comply allows County mowing/abatement billed to the owner and recorded as a lien.
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