How Kissimmee Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Kissimmee maintains 112 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.

Weed Ordinances

Kissimmee caps all vegetation on landscaped property, grass, weeds, ground cover, at 12 inches above grade, measured with a ruler or tape measure rather than left to inspector judgment.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches above grade. Measured with: ruler or tape measure. Applies to: all landscaped properties citywide.

A property over the 12-inch limit can be cited by the designated official; unresolved violations lead to city-performed mowing billed to the owner, with a minimum charge of $300.

Native Plants

Kissimmee requires all trees, shrubs, and vines used to satisfy its landscaping code to be selected from the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Plant List, with at least half of all trees and plant materials drought tolerant. Species not on the list are barred from planting in public rights-of-way without the city arborist's written approval.

Key details: Governing section: LDC § 14-8-23. Required list: UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Plant List. Drought-tolerant minimum: 50% of trees/plant materials. Non-listed species in ROW: barred without city arborist approval. Species diversity: 2 species (non-res.); 4 species (multifamily).

Compliance is checked at landscape plan review, which is submitted alongside a site development or building permit application. A landscape plan that specifies non-listed species without arborist authorization, falls short of the 50 percent drought-tolerant threshold, or uses fewer species than required will not be approved, and no landscaping permit issues until the plant palette is corrected.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing, altering or relocating a protected tree in Kissimmee requires a permit: reviewed with site plan or plat approval for new development, or a standalone application through the director for existing lots.

Key details: New development: reviewed with DRC site plan/plat review. Existing lots: apply directly to the director. Approval needs: design infeasible plus a listed reason. Barred if: violation or unpaid fine in past 3 months.

Removing a protected tree without an issued permit is unlawful under § 14-8-5 and a misdemeanor, fined under Code of Ordinances § 1-22; the Code Enforcement Board handles enforcement.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Kissimmee actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Water Restrictions

Kissimmee bans irrigation citywide between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day, with listed exceptions for micro-irrigation, new landscaping, hand watering, pool maintenance, and irrigation-system repair.

Key details: Restricted hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily. Applies to: all irrigation, citywide. Micro-irrigation/drip: exempt. Hand watering exemption: one hose, auto shutoff nozzle. Set by: City Commission by resolution.

Watering outside the exempt uses during the restricted 10 a.m.–4 p.m. window is a code violation; enforcement and penalties run through the city's general code-enforcement and citation provisions.

Tree Trimming

Kissimmee requires property owners to keep tree and shrub branches trimmed to at least seven feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets and alleys. The rule sits inside the city's minimum property maintenance code, enforced by the designated official, with unpermitted topping banned and city-performed corrections billed at a $300 minimum.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: minimum 7 feet vertical. Street/alley clearance: minimum 14 feet vertical. Tree removal permit threshold: 4 in. commercial, 30 in. other. Topping/hatracking: unlawful except storm damage. City correction minimum charge: $300.

A landscaping clearance violation not otherwise itemized in the fine schedule draws a $100 fine under City Code § 1-22(b)(26), covering unlisted violations of the residential minimum maintenance ordinance. Separately, if the designated official's notice to trim goes unanswered, the city can perform the work and charge the owner at least $300 in man-hour and equipment costs, which becomes a lien on the property if unpaid within 30 days, with interest accruing after that.

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.