Port St. Lucie, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Chapter 43, "Unimproved Real Property Nuisances," was adopted because the City Council found that excessive weeds, underbrush and invasive species like Brazilian pepper trees on vacant land threaten public health, welfare and property values (§ 43.02). "Unimproved real property" means any lot without a structure on it (§ 43.03). The core rule, § 43.04(a)(1), bans letting weeds, grass, vines, Brazilian pepper and other invasive species exceed 24 inches within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line that abuts an improved lot, but only where that line sits within 30 feet of a permitted dwelling or commercial structure.

Tree branches that grow within 4 feet of a nearby dwelling or commercial structure must be trimmed back to the property line (§ 43.04(a)(2)). Corner and intersection lots face a parallel rule: growth can't top 24 inches for 15 feet from the road right-of-way facing the intersection (§ 43.04(c)), and the same 24-inch cap applies citywide within 15 feet of any road or drainage right-of-way (§ 43.04(d)). Adjacent improved-lot owners can waive the rule in writing (§ 43.04(b)), and clearing is excused where it would destroy habitat for the Florida Scrub Jay, gopher tortoise, black indigo snake or another protected species to the point of an unlawful "taking" (§ 43.04(g)).

The City Manager cannot enforce this section against the same unimproved lot more than once every 12 months, except the road/drainage buffer rule, and enforcement is limited to verified complaints from abutting owners, tenants or occupants (§ 43.04(h)).