Winter Haven, FL Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Sec. 12-59, in the Litter article of Winter Haven's nuisances chapter, makes it unlawful for any person, motorist, or pedestrian to scatter, throw, place, sweep, or deposit litter anywhere in the city in a manner that lets it be carried by wind, rain, water, or animals onto public or private property. Where a commercial or public litter receptacle is not available, the person responsible must carry the litter away and dispose of it properly elsewhere. 'Litter' is defined broadly in Sec. 12-56 to include garbage, refuse, rubbish, and any other waste material that creates a danger to public health, safety, or welfare when dumped, and the article's related sections extend the same duty to cover uncovered vehicle loads under Sec.

12-60, sweeping debris into gutters and streets under Sec. 12-63, and keeping vacant lots, driveways, and sidewalks clear under Sec. 12-62. Owners, lessees, and drivers are jointly and severally responsible for cleaning up any accidental spillage from a vehicle without undue delay. The article's stated intent, in Sec. 30. Enforcement runs through the city manager and designated code enforcement or police personnel under Sec. 12-57, with contested cases referred to the city's code enforcement board, which decides what remedy is needed and sets the fine.

Because Article III does not set its own penalty amount, a Sec. 12-59 violation is punished under the Code's general penalty in Sec. 1-13: a fine of up to $500, with each day the violation continues charged as a separate offense.