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

Sec. 23-124 of the Plantation Code of Ordinances places an affirmative duty on the owner of property adjacent to a city-maintained right-of-way to keep the abutting sidewalk in good repair and to replace, reconstruct or repair sidewalk sections that fall into disrepair due to action attributable to the owner or the owner's employees, invitees or agents, expressly including damage caused by a tree on private property. The city determines whether a sidewalk is in disrepair using the current FDOT Maintenance Rating Program Handbook, then issues written notice directing the owner to reconstruct, maintain or repair it; the section is explicit that the city's failure to send notice does not relieve the owner of the underlying duty.

Beyond structural repair, owners have an ongoing housekeeping duty to keep the abutting sidewalk clear of refuse, waste, litter, debris, excess vegetation and weeds, and to regularly scrub, pressure wash, clean or otherwise treat it so it stays free of mold, mildew, discoloration and slip hazards. Violations run through the standard code enforcement notice-of-violation process under Chapter 6, Article I, and the city can also abate the condition directly: if the owner fails or refuses to do the repair after notice, the city may complete the replacement, reconstruction or repair itself and specially assess the property owner for the cost, using the special assessment procedures in the City Charter or under Chapter 170, Florida Statutes.

The remedies in Sec. 23-124 are stated to be in addition and supplemental to any other remedy available under law for enforcing city ordinances. This duty was most recently amended by Ord. No. 2600 in 2021 and traces back to Code 1964, § 22-20.