Lake Worth Beach has reduced fines for bulk trash and vegetation pickup violations and will issue partial refunds to residents, city officials said. The move follows public backlash over more than 1,200 citations issued after enforcement began Aug. 9.
Many residents said they did not know the rules had tightened and received costly tickets without any warning. One resident, Luis Carvajal, said he got a $335 violation after landscapers trimmed palm fronds and left them near the street for pickup. He said he had never received a city violation notice before.
The concerns reached the City Commission. Vice Mayor Mimi May said residents had reason to be upset. May helped push the ordinance when it took effect in October 2025, when she backed fines as high as $500 and opposed sending notice letters before enforcement. She now says $300 is too much for people on a fixed income, and she publicly apologized for the confusion.
Under the changes approved by city leaders, the violation fine drops from $335 to $135. The city plans to reimburse residents $200 for each violation issued at the previous rate. Officials said the lower fines are already in effect, and eligible residents will see the refunds on their next bill.
