Jacksonville, FL Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code Sec. 380.210
- Covers
- Roads, waterways, and private property
- Vehicle/boat dumping
- Operator and owner both liable
- Enforcement agencies
- ERM, JEA, and Sheriff's Office
- Penalty mechanism
- Civil citation under Ordinance Ch. 609
Summary
Dumping litter on Jacksonville streets, rights-of-way, waterways, or private property without consent is unlawful under the city's Litter Law, with citations issued by the Sheriff's Office, JEA, and Environmental Resource Management.
(b) Dumping litter prohibited. Unless otherwise authorized by law or permit, it is unlawful for any person to dump litter in any manner or amount: (1) In or on any public highway, road, street, alley, or thoroughfare, including any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or any other public lands, except in containers or areas lawfully provided therefor. When any litter is thrown or discarded from a motor vehicle, the operator or owner of the motor vehicle, or both, shall be deemed in violation of this Section; or
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Ordinance Code Sec. 380.210, the Jacksonville Litter Law, bars dumping litter, garbage, construction debris, tires, appliances, vehicle parts, and similar items, on any public road or right-of-way, in any lake, river, or coastal water, or on private property without the owner's consent (and even with consent if it creates a nuisance). If litter is thrown from a moving vehicle or boat, both the operator and owner are deemed in violation. Sec. 380.213 lets the city enforce by civil citation under Florida Statutes Chapter 162 Part II and Ordinance Code Chapter 609, or through a court action for injunctive relief and civil penalties; Sec. 380.215 designates Environmental Resource Management, JEA, and Sheriff's Office personnel, including Community Service Officers, to issue citations.
Violations & Fines
Civil citation under F.S. Ch. 162 Part II and Ordinance Code Ch. 609; city may also sue for injunctive relief and civil penalties (Sec. 380.213, 380.215).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash on someone else's property illegal in Jacksonville?
Who enforces Jacksonville's illegal dumping law?
Am I liable if litter blows out of my truck?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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