Is it illegal to dispose of grass clippings on the road in Florida?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero from News 6 is here to respond to viewer inquiries and offer advice on road regulations. His aim is to enhance the driving skills of Central Florida residents through education.

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

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“This question is so Florida, and I absolutely love it,” Trooper Steve remarked. “When I was young, I was repeatedly cautioned not to blow grass onto the road, as doing so would lead to police trouble. It was my mom’s clever way of ensuring that the yard always looked tidy.”

Despite his law enforcement experience, Trooper Steve mentioned that he has never encountered a case of someone receiving a citation solely for neglecting to clean up their yard clippings.

“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.”