Can you get arrested for ‘dumping trash’ in Sarasota? 

You can get arrested for dumping trash in Sarasota, and anywhere in Florida, depending on how much it is. 

According to the Florida Litter Law, dumping litter less than 15 pounds or 27 cubic feet is a noncriminal infraction punishable by a $150 fine and litter pickups. 

But if you dump litter that weighs more than 15 and less than 500 pounds, it’s a first degree misdemeanor that carries up to $1,000 in fines and a year in jail. Dumping trash that weighs more than 500 pounds is a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Sarasota County’s Code of Ordinances states that these rules apply to litter thrown on any private or public property. It also notes that litter isn’t defined by just trash –– it includes decayed animals, vegetable matter or “any other offensive substances.”