Collier County, FL Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Code Sec. 54-180, 54-182
- State law
- FS 403.413 (Florida Litter Law)
- Max local penalty
- $500 or 60 days
- Landscapers
- Must use authorized facilities
- Report to
- 239-252-2440 / Sheriff
Summary
It is unlawful to throw, drop or deposit litter of any amount on public or private property, streets, rights-of-way or water in unincorporated Collier County, except in designated enclosed containers. Illegal dumping of debris is a crime; landscapers and haulers must use authorized disposal facilities. Florida's litter law (FS 403.413)
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, discard, place, drop, or deposit litter in any manner or amount in or upon any public property, private property, highway, street, right-of-way or body of water within the unincorporated areas of Collier County, Florida, except in such areas and enclosed containers specifically provided and appropriately designated for the disposal of litter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 54-180 makes it unlawful for any person to throw, discard, place, drop or deposit litter in any amount on public or private property, highways, streets, rights-of-way or water in the unincorporated county, except in designated enclosed containers; litter ejected from a vehicle makes the operator liable. Sec. 54-182 bars dumping or depositing abandoned property. The County warns that illegal dumping of storm or other debris is a crime, and that landscaping, tree-trimming and hired companies may not deposit debris on rights-of-way or vacant lots but must use authorized disposal facilities. Florida's Litter Law, FS 403.413, sets escalating criminal penalties statewide.
Violations & Fines
Litter-control violations (Ch. 118, Art. III) carry up to a $500 fine or 60 days in the county jail, each day a separate offense (Sec. 118-58). Under FS 403.413 dumping over 15 pounds is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for illegal dumping in Collier County?
Can a landscaper dump yard waste on a vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collier County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Collier County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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