Manatee County, FL Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Sec. 2-9-103(27) of the Code of Ordinances defines 'infestation' as 'the presence of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests within or contiguous to a premises, structure or building,' and Sec. 2-9-105(d), part of the Property Maintenance and Structural Standards adopted by Ordinance No. 15-10 and amended by Ordinance No. ' The same section separately bars accumulations of debris, decayed vegetable matter, garbage and overgrown vegetation exceeding sixteen inches, conditions recognized as rodent harborage and food sources. There is no separate Manatee County rodent-bait or extermination ordinance; the property maintenance standard is the operative local rule, applying to every existing residential and nonresidential structure and lot in the unincorporated area under Sec.

2-9-102(b). Enforcement is complaint-driven: under Sec. 2-9-104, the administrative official and code enforcement officers investigate complaints, may inspect property at reasonable times after identifying themselves, and can seek an administrative inspection warrant if entry is refused. Violations of Sec. 69, Florida Statutes and Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, with each day the infestation condition continues counted as a separate offense under Sec. 2-9-109. A property owner cited for harboring rodents or vermin can be ordered to clean up the debris, garbage or overgrowth sustaining the infestation, and repeat or unresolved violations proceed to the county's code enforcement special magistrate process under chapter 2-7.