Dade City, FL Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Section 102-131(b)(1) states that the purpose of chapter 102's lot clean-up article is to prevent conditions on property that result in the property being inhabited by, or providing a habitat for, rodents, vermin, reptiles, or other wild animals, alongside related harms like mosquito breeding and impaired property value. Section 102-133(a) turns that purpose into a duty: every owner, agent, custodian, lessee or occupant must reasonably regulate, mow, maintain and effectively control accumulations of trash, junk or debris, living and nonliving plant material, and stagnant water, both on the property itself and on the adjoining unpaved right-of-way strip.

Section 102-133(d) separately addresses fill material, requiring owners to prevent the keeping of fill on their property in a manner that creates a habitat for rodents, vermin, reptiles or other wild animals, among other listed harms. Section 102-132 declares these conditions a nuisance and menace to public health, safety and welfare. If the city manager determines an imminent public-health or public-safety threat exists because of such conditions, section 102-133(e) allows the city to remedy the threat immediately without prior notice, followed by after-the-fact notice to the owner within five work days and 15 days to reimburse the city or appeal. 00 filing fee to appeal to the city manager within 15 days, with unresolved violations subject to a special assessment lien under section 102-135.