Is It Illegal in Florida to Leave Grass Clippings on Roads?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Trooper Steve Montiero, News 6’s traffic safety specialist, addresses audience inquiries and provides guidance on road safety, aiming to enhance driver education and safety for Central Florida locals.

Trooper Steve was asked, “Is it illegal to blow my grass clippings onto the road?”

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“This is such a classic Florida inquiry, and I find it amusing,” Trooper Steve remarked. “Growing up, my mother always warned me not to blow grass onto the street, saying the police would come after me. It was her clever way to ensure the lawn was always tidy.”

However, throughout his career in law enforcement, Trooper Steve mentioned he’s never encountered anyone receiving a fine specifically for neglecting to clear grass clippings from the roadway.

“State law does not address the act of mowing your yard and letting the clippings go into the street,” he said. “But, obviously, this is not the right thing to do and, depending on the amount of waste thrown into the road, other tickets could be written. Littering and causing a roadway obstruction are just some of the few.”

Trooper Steve said the biggest issue is the danger associated with it.

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“Grass is a slippery substance and, whether dry or wet, could cause traction issues for people who are operating a motorcycle or a bicycle,” he said. “You are the one causing this mess, so why not be the one who cleans it up?”

Although state law may not list it as a violation, city, county or community rules might.

“Some local cities do have ordinances in effect for this action,” Trooper Steve said. “Meaning that although there is no state law, your local code enforcement could issue a citation if such a rule exists.”

For example, blowing yard waste into roadways in Orange County is a violation of county code.

Also, be aware of your HOA rules.

“If you live in a community that is governed by an HOA, you know how they can be,” he said. “Take a look over your HOA rules to see what’s on the list.”