Palm Beach County Code Chapter 14 (Housing Code) and the County Property Maintenance Code require all structures be kept free of rats, mice, and vermin; property owners must promptly exterminate any infestation using approved methods or face Code Compliance violations.
Palm Beach County regulates rodent harborage through Chapter 14 (Housing Code) of the County Code and the adopted Property Maintenance Code. All structures must be kept free of insect and vermin infestation, and infestations must be exterminated by approved processes that are not injurious to human health. Owners are responsible for eliminating harborage (overgrown vegetation, debris piles, uncovered trash) and sealing structural openings rodents can use. Tenants share responsibility once a unit is delivered free of pests. Violations are enforced by the County's Planning, Zoning and Building Code Compliance Division through a Special Magistrate process.
Code Compliance issues a Notice of Violation; the Special Magistrate can fine up to $250 per day (first offense) and $500 per day for repeat offenses, plus County abatement liens.
See how West Palm Beach's rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.