Cocoa's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Cocoa, Florida, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Cocoa requires a tree removal permit before cutting most trees on vacant land, open-space areas of developed non-residential property, or public rights-of-way. Single-family and duplex lots are exempt. Removing a tree without a permit draws a civil fine of up to $100 per caliper inch (more for specimen trees), capped at $5,000 per tree.

Key details: Permit required for: vacant land, non-residential open space, rights-of-way. Exempt: single-family and duplex lots. Permit validity: 90 days, two 30-day extensions. Unpermitted removal fine: $100 per caliper inch. Fine cap: $5,000 per tree.

Cutting a tree without first obtaining a tree removal permit is a civil violation heard by the Code Enforcement Board: $100 per caliper inch removed (capped at $5,000 per tree), or $5,000 per tree if the diameter cannot be determined. Land cleared without a permit draws $5,000 per quarter acre, and ignoring a cease-and-desist order adds $500 per day.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cocoa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Weed Ordinances

Cocoa property owners, agents, lessees and occupants must cut weeds, grass and underbrush to no more than twelve inches on any lot inside city limits, per City Code Sec. 6-901. Owners of parcels over five acres must maintain a mowed 100-foot perimeter strip. Unmowed growth left over seven days is also a declared nuisance under Sec. 6-900.

Key details: Max height: 12 inches for weeds, grass and underbrush. Large-parcel duty: 100-foot mowed perimeter strip on 5+ acre lots. Cure period: 10 days from notice to abate. City abatement fee: $100 administrative fee plus mowing cost. Enforcement: Code enforcement officer and code enforcement board.

Missing the twelve-inch limit after the ten-day notice period triggers city-ordered mowing at the owner's expense, plus the flat $100 administrative fee added to the bill. Unpaid charges convert into a recorded lien against the property, enforceable the same way Cocoa forecloses delinquent tax and special-assessment liens, and the code enforcement board can add interest and attorney's fees if the case proceeds to a hearing.

The Bottom Line

Cocoa's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cocoa is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Cocoa can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.