MPMS Sec. 301.3 (Ord. O-10-15) requires all vacant structures, premises, and vacant land to be maintained in a clean, safe, secure, and sanitary condition so as not to cause blight or affect public health. The 12-inch grass-height limit of Sec. 302.4 applies equally to vacant lots.
Vacant property is the most-cited category for Winter Haven Code Compliance. Sec. 301.3 sets the general duty; Sec. 302.4 imposes the 12-inch weed maximum; Sec. 302.5 requires vacant land be free of rodent harborage; Sec. 304.18 requires that doors, windows, and openings on vacant structures be secured against unauthorized entry. Boarding plywood is allowed temporarily but the city requires a Boarded Structure Waiver to keep boards up beyond 60 days. Abandoned-property registrations follow Ordinance O-09-40. The Special Magistrate sits the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 451 3rd Street NW, for code-enforcement appeals.
Code Compliance citations under MPMS 106.3; the city may enter and mow/secure the property after a 10-day notice and lien costs. Fines up to $250/day through Special Magistrate under FS Ch. 162.
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