Miami-Dade County, FL Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Dade Clean County Ordinance
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor: fine plus up to 30 days jail
- Scope
- Countywide, public and private property
- Enforcement
- Solid Waste Mgmt. Dept. / Ch. 8CC
- Continuing violation
- Each day is a separate offense
Summary
Dumping litter, garbage or debris on any street, vacant lot, waterway or private property without authorization is a countywide misdemeanor under Miami-Dade's Dade Clean County Ordinance, punishable by fines and up to 30 days in jail.
(1)It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, let, allow, permit or suffer the dumping of litter on any public or private highway, road, street, alley, bridge, drain, gutter, lane, sidewalk, vacant lot, or thoroughfare, except in areas lawfully provided therefor.(2)It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, let, allow, permit or suffer the dumping of litter in or on any freshwater lakes, canals, rivers or streams or tidal or coastal waters of Miami-Dade County.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
The county's Dade Clean County Ordinance bars anyone from dumping litter, including solid waste and dead animals, on public or private streets, alleys, sidewalks, vacant lots, canals, rivers, or coastal waters throughout Miami-Dade County, absent the landowner's written consent and a government permit. Builders must also keep construction sites clear of accumulated litter. Violations are prosecuted as misdemeanors carrying a fine plus up to 30 days in the County Jail, and the County may separately pursue civil penalties, damages, and injunctive relief through the Department of Solid Waste Management and Chapter 8CC code enforcement, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor prosecution: fine per the minimum fine schedule and/or up to 30 days in County Jail; County may also sue for civil penalties, damages, or injunctive relief, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash on a vacant lot illegal in Miami-Dade County?
What counts as illegal dumping under this ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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