Homestead, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Section 24-65(a) states the baseline duty plainly: each property owner must maintain the sidewalks in front of or abutting their property in a safe, unobstructed and passable condition, keeping them free of tree roots, grass, weeds or other plant life that could damage the sidewalk or create a hazard. An owner is at fault for tree-root damage if the tree sits on their own property, and is also responsible for damage from vehicle traffic on non-driveway sections of the sidewalk, or any damage otherwise caused by the owner.

Subsection (b) flips the burden the other way: the city is responsible for repairing sidewalks generally, as determined by the building official, but will not pay for damage caused by an owner's intentional or negligent act, defined to include anything the owner knew or should have known would cause damage. Subsection (c) sets the assessment procedure once the city manager determines an owner is at fault: the actual repair cost plus administrative expenses is assessed against the owner, notice goes out by certified mail or hand delivery (or by posting if the owner can't be found in the county tax rolls), and the owner has thirty days to pay or to file a written appeal contesting liability with the city manager.

Subsection (d) is the enforcement backstop: if the owner doesn't pay after thirty days or after a final appeal decision, the city can record a notice of lien in the Miami-Dade County official records, and that lien is superior to every other lien except taxes, accrues interest at the legal rate, and can be foreclosed like a mortgage, with the city recovering its attorney's fees in a foreclosure action. Subsection (f) also lets the city seek a civil injunction against an owner or occupant for a violation of the chapter.