Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Manatee County

Manatee County, FL Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County ban
Sec. 2-16-101
State litter law
FS 403.413
Small dump (≤15 lbs)
$150 civil penalty
Commercial dumping
Third-degree felony
Prohibited on
Streets, waterways, public places

Summary

Dumping or littering solid waste on streets, right-of-way, waterways, or public places in Manatee County is prohibited under Chapter 2-16. Florida's litter law (FS 403.413) adds statewide penalties: a $150 civil fine for small amounts and a third-degree felony for commercial-quantity dumping.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Manatee County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful and an offense against the county for any person... To place or dispose of any solid waste, yard waste, program recyclables, and recyclable materials in or upon any public street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or alleyway, or any stream, ditch, river, pond, creek, park or public place in the county.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Manatee County Code Sec. 2-16-101 makes it unlawful to place or dispose of solid waste, yard waste, or recyclables in or upon any public street, sidewalk, right-of-way, alleyway, stream, ditch, river, pond, creek, park, or public place, or to accumulate waste on any premises or lot. Statewide, Florida's Litter Law (FS 403.413) prohibits littering; dumping not exceeding 15 pounds is a noncriminal infraction with a $150 civil penalty, while dumping in any quantity for commercial purposes is a third-degree felony. Illegal dumping rose after the county's shift to weekly pickup, prompting community cleanup events.

Violations & Fines

County: prohibited act under Sec. 2-16-101, an offense against the county. State: FS 403.413 imposes a $150 civil penalty for small dumps and felony charges for commercial-quantity dumping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fine for illegal dumping?
Under FS 403.413, dumping up to 15 pounds is a $150 civil penalty; dumping in any quantity for commercial purposes is a third-degree felony.
Can I leave trash on a vacant lot or roadside?
No. Sec. 2-16-101 prohibits disposing of waste on any street, right-of-way, waterway, or public place, or accumulating it on any premises or lot.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Manatee County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions

All Manatee County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Manatee County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Illegal Dumping in Manatee County, FL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.