Fort Lauderdale property owners and community managers: simplify recycling compliance and boost resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program aligns with City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County requirements to reduce contamination and enhance NOI — all with a turnkey, inspector-friendly setup.
In Fort Lauderdale, the City Code requires each multifamily residence to implement a recycling program under Chapter 24, §24-8 (Solid Waste). For service provisioning, multifamily accounts of four (4) or more units must use a licensed hauler under Chapter 24. Broward County operates a countywide recycling program and identifies multifamily within its Mandatory Residential Recycling Ordinance (§14-71–§14-75), especially for unincorporated areas.
- Mandate Type (City): Mandatory Recycling — owner must implement a program for each multifamily residence (Fort Lauderdale Code §24-8).
- Applicability Threshold (City): Applies to each multifamily residence; hauler licensing threshold commonly referenced at 4+ units (City Ch. 24).
- County Context: Broward’s recycling framework applies in unincorporated areas and defines program elements for residential recycling (Broward County Code §14-71 et seq.).
- New Construction (State): Florida law requires newly developed multifamily properties (CO issued on/after July 1, 2012) to provide adequate space & receptacles for recycling when a local program exists (F.S. §403.706(2)(c)).
At a Glance: City of Fort Lauderdale vs Broward County
City of Fort Lauderdale
- Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for each multifamily residence (§24-8).
- Applicability Threshold: Recycling program for all MF; 4+ units commonly triggers licensed account service (Chapter 24).
- Key City Link: §24-8 Recycling at Multifamily Residences
- Fines & Penalties:
- Failure to comply with §24-8 is punishable under §1-6 (General Penalty): up to $500, up to 60 days jail, or both.
- Post-hearing noncompliance may incur up to $500 per day until corrected (Special Magistrate Hearings).
Broward County
- Mandate Type: County recycling framework (Mandatory Residential Recycling Ordinance) applicable in unincorporated areas (§14-71(b)).
- Applicability Threshold: Addresses “residential” program including multifamily; city programs govern inside municipalities.
- County Guidance: Multifamily residents are encouraged to recycle; properties should establish service with a licensed hauler (County MF Recycling Page).
- Fines & Penalties:
- Typical code citations: $50–$250 (first offense); $100–$500 (repeat); abatements & liens possible (Broward Code Enforcement Process).
Property Manager Compliance Checklist (City & County)
| Task | Action / Requirement | Resources / Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Establish Recycling Program (City) | Owner implements a recycling program for each multifamily residence; maintain records (plan, contract, education). | Fort Lauderdale Code §24-8 |
| ☑ Service Agreements | Use a licensed hauler for multifamily accounts (4+ units commonly) and keep active recycling service. | City Ch. 24 (Solid Waste) |
| ☑ County Alignment (Unincorporated) | Follow county recycling framework and set up MF service where applicable. | Broward §14-71–§14-75 · County MF Guidance |
| ☑ Tenant Education & Signage | Provide move-in & annual education; post clear signage at containers; track participation and contamination. | County Tips |
| ☑ Records & Inspection Readiness | Keep hauler contract, container inventory, education materials, and inspection logs; be ready for Special Magistrate review. | City Compliance Hearings |
| ☑ New Development Provisioning | Design adequate space & receptacles for recycling (state requirement when local program exists). | F.S. §403.706(2)(c) |
Fines & Penalties Snapshot: In Fort Lauderdale, failure to comply with §24-8 is punishable under §1-6 (up to $500, 60 days jail, or both); persistent noncompliance after a Special Magistrate hearing can accrue up to $500/day and may result in liens. In Broward County, typical code citations range $50–$250 (first) and $100–$500 (repeat), with possible abatement and liens (Broward Code Enforcement Process).
Need a fast compliance check? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Fort Lauderdale/Broward property — we’ll right-size containers, draft tenant education, and prepare inspection-ready documentation.
Notes: City of Fort Lauderdale Code §24-8 states the multifamily recycling requirement and ties violations to §1-6 (
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