How Kissimmee Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Kissimmee maintains 83 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kissimmee falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

LDC §14-8-4 protects any tree with a 4-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) or larger. §14-8-5 requires a tree removal permit before cutting, trimming, or removing any protected tree, including those in the city right-of-way.

Key details: Code Section: LDC §14-8-4, §14-8-5. Protected Tree: 4-inch DBH+. Specimen Tree: 30-inch DBH+. Arborist Required: For hazard removal. Replacement Ratio: 1 canopy or 4 understory.

§14-8-7 violations are a misdemeanor under §14-8-8 with Sec. 1-22(a) penalty up to $500 per offense. Each day is a separate offense. Tree replacement at developer cost is also required.

Water Restrictions

Kissimmee is in the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) jurisdiction, which enforces year-round landscape irrigation restrictions. Even-address properties can water on Sundays and Thursdays; odd-address on Wednesdays and Saturdays; nonresidential on Tuesdays and Fridays — all between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. only.

Key details: Authority: SFWMD (Ch. 40E-24). Odd Address: Wed, Sat. Even Address: Sun, Thu. Nonresidential: Tue, Fri. Hours: 4 p.m. – 10 a.m..

SFWMD violations are enforced via city code-enforcement procedures under F.S. Ch. 162. First violation typically warning; repeat $50-$250 per day. KUA can throttle service for chronic violators.

Grass Height Limits

Sec. 9-283(2) caps vegetative height at 12 inches measured by ruler or tape from grade. Property over 25 acres on agricultural exemption is excused from the height rule except within 50 ft of trails or rights-of-way.

Key details: Grass Height: 12 inches max. Code Section: Sec. 9-283. Notice Period: 7 days. City Mowing Min: $300. Lot-Mowing Fine: $150.

Sec. 1-22(b)(6) sets a $150 fine per lot-mowing violation. City abatement minimum $300 plus actual cost, recorded as a lien for nonpayment. Persistent violators face Code Enforcement Board action: $250/day first violation, $500/day repeat per F.S. Ch. 162.

Tree Trimming

Sec. 9-282(9) prohibits 'hatracking' or topping any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public or private property — defined as cutting limbs to stubs larger than 3 inches diameter within the crown, or removing more than approximately one-third of the normal canopy.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 9-282(9). Topping Banned: Yes (citywide). Sidewalk Clearance: 7 ft. Street Clearance: 14 ft. ROW Tree Permit: Required (Sec. 38-139).

Sec. 9-296 enforcement: Code Enforcement Board fines $250/day first violation, $500/day repeat per F.S. Ch. 162. ROW tree violations are a Sec. 38-142 penalty separately.

Weed Ordinances

Sec. 9-283(1) prohibits accumulation of weeds, invasive species, undergrowth, or excessive grass that may communicate fire or harbor insects, rodents, or snakes. Sec. 9-283(5) declares palmettos, vines, and accumulated debris a nuisance subject to city abatement.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 9-283(1), (5). Standard: Public health/safety threat. Invasive List: FDACS noxious weed (state). City Abatement Min: $300.

Sec. 1-22(b)(6) — $150 per lot-mowing/clearing violation. City abatement at minimum $300 plus actual cost, lien for nonpayment.

The Bottom Line

Kissimmee'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 Kissimmee is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Kissimmee's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.