Lee County, FL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- Over 12 inches
- Coverage trigger
- More than 50 percent of lot
- Proximity trigger
- Within 150 feet of developed property
- Time to abate
- 21 days from written notice
- Administrative fee
- $150 plus actual mowing cost
Summary
Grasses and weeds over 12 inches covering more than half an unimproved lot are a nuisance when within 150 feet of developed adjacent property in a platted subdivision or future urban area. The County can mow the lot and lien it.
Grasses and weeds in excess of 12 inches in height and covering more than 50% of an unimproved Lot area, impair the economic welfare of property, contribute a fire hazard, or create a health hazard constituting a nuisance where any part of the growths are located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the boundary of any Developed and Adjacent Property where the Developed and Adjacent Property is located in a Future Urban Area or Platted Subdivision of unincorporated Lee County.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18, Article V - the Lee County Lot Mowing Ordinance - applies in all of unincorporated Lee County. Section 18-125 sets three conditions that must all be met: growth over 12 inches, covering more than 50 percent of an unimproved lot, and located within 150 feet of the boundary of developed adjacent property in a future urban area or platted subdivision. Land with an agricultural classification under F.S. Ch. 193 is not treated as having nuisance vegetation. On acreage, only the vegetation within 150 feet of that developed neighbor counts. Notice is mailed to the owner of record, who gets 21 days to abate and 15 days to ask for a hearing.
Violations & Fines
If you do not abate within 21 days, the County Manager cuts the vegetation and bills the actual cost plus a $150 administrative fee; unpaid after 30 days it becomes a lien in the public records with interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every overgrown lot get cited?
What happens if I don't pay the mowing bill?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida property maintenance overview
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