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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Sarasota, FL
Beekeeping in Sarasota is governed primarily by Florida state law - F.S. §586 (Honeybee Law) preempts most local regulation of beekeeping. Beekeepers must re...
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota does not have a citywide wildlife-feeding ban, but Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules under F.A.C. 68A-4.001 prohibit int...
Sarasota, FL
Florida Statute §373.185 (Florida-Friendly Landscaping Act) preempts HOA and local-government bans on Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL). Sarasota homeowners...
Sarasota, FL
The City of Sarasota observes the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) year-round watering restrictions: two days per week for residential ad...
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota's property maintenance rules require lawns and lots to be maintained free of overgrown vegetation. While the Code does not specify an exact maximum ...
Sarasota, FL
Tree trimming in Sarasota is governed by Zoning Code Sec. VII-309 et seq. and ANSI A300 industry standards. Heavy pruning (more than 25% canopy removal) typi...
See how Sarasota's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.