Coral Gables's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Coral Gables, Florida, there are 6 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.

Water Restrictions

Coral Gables bans lawn sprinkler use during set morning and evening hours every day from February through May, limiting irrigation to narrower daytime windows citywide.

Key details: Weekday ban: 6-10 a.m. & 5-9 p.m.. Weekend ban: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.. Season: February through May. Well systems: Exempt from the ban. Citation: Sec. 78-52.

A Sec. 78-52 violation is punishable under the Sec. 1-7 general penalty; the city commission can also suspend water service to a property for repeat violations of the water-conservation division.

Tree Trimming

Cutting, pruning, or trimming any tree, shrub, or vine in a Coral Gables street, city right-of-way, or park requires a written permit from the city manager and the tree preservation agency first.

Key details: Permit required from: City manager + tree preservation agency. Applies to: Streets, rights-of-way, parks. Covers: Trimming, cutting, root disturbance. Typical fine: $500 civil penalty. Original enactment: Ordinance No. 6, 1925.

Trimming, cutting, or damaging a right-of-way tree without the joint city manager/tree preservation agency permit is a code violation punished under Sec. 1-7, with civil penalties (the city's schedule lists $500 for unpermitted trimming or defacement).

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

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is allowed in Coral Gables only with a permit and only in specific zoning locations, not as a free substitute for sod citywide.

Key details: Permit: Required for artificial turf areas. SFR/MF1 districts: Rear yard only, with buffer. Other zoning districts: Not allowed at ground level. Reviewing body: Public Works Landscape Services Division.

Artificial turf installed without the required permit, or placed in a zoning district or yard location the code does not allow (e.g., street-visible ground-level turf outside SFR/MF1 rear yards or approved Special Use athletic fields), is a code violation subject to the city's standard code enforcement process under Chapter 101.

Compared to other cities, Coral Gables takes a harder line on artificial turf. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Native Plants

Coral Gables requires at least 30 percent of the trees and shrubs on any permitted landscaping job to be native species, under the Zoning Code's Article 6 landscape standards enforced by Public Works Landscape Services.

Key details: Native species minimum: 30% of trees and shrubs. Governing provision: Zoning Code Article 6, § 6-103. Reviewing agency: Public Works Landscape Services Division. Triggers: New construction or qualifying redevelopment.

Landscape plans that fall short of the 30% native species minimum are rejected by Public Works Landscape Services before a permit issues; installed plant material that fails to meet the standard must be replaced with code-conforming material.

Weed Ordinances

Coral Gables caps weeds, grass, and undergrowth at 12 inches on any lot, with a 5-day cure notice before the city can remedy the violation and lien the property.

Key details: Max height: 12 inches. Cure notice: 5 days after service. City remedy: Lien for cost + fees. First-violation fine: Up to $1,000/day.

Up to $500 fine/60 days jail (Sec. 1-7); code enforcement board or special master fines up to $1,000/day for a first violation, $5,000/day repeat; city can remedy and lien property after 5-day notice.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Coral Gables bans cutting, pruning, breaking, stapling, piercing or otherwise defacing any tree, shrub, orchid or vine in a public street, right-of-way or park without a written permit from the city manager and tree preservation agency.

Key details: Citation: Sec. 82-3, Code of Ordinances. Permit required from: City manager and tree preservation agency. Covers: Trees, shrubs, orchids, vines in ROW. Penalty basis: Sec. 1-7 general penalty, per tree. In effect since: 1925, last amended 2023.

Each defaced or damaged tree counts as a separate offense punishable under Sec. 1-7; the tree preservation agency can also sue for damages and injunctive relief under Sec. 82-2.

Compared to other cities, Coral Gables takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Coral Gables is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Coral Gables, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Coral Gables's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.