Landscaping Rules in Lakeland, FL

If you live in Lakeland or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lakeland has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Lakeland Code Sec. 38-51 makes it unlawful to plant Australian pine, Turk's Cap, melaleuca or any other invasive growth within 30 feet of a sanitary sewer easement or public way. If such a tree already exists there, the owner gets ten days' written notice from the city manager to remove it before the city removes it and can still prosecute.

Key details: Buffer distance: 30 feet from sewer easement or public way. Named species: Australian Pine, Turk's Cap, Melaleuca. Notice period: 10 days after written notice. Enforcing office: City manager. Max penalty: $500 fine, 60 days jail (Sec. 1-14).

Planting a listed or sewer-threatening species within 30 feet of a sanitary sewer easement violates Sec. 38-51 immediately upon planting. Failing to remove an existing one within ten days of the city manager's written notice violates Sec. 38-52. Both carry the Sec. 1-14 general penalty: a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in the county jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Weed Ordinances

Lakeland presumes any weeds, undergrowth or dead plant growth over one foot tall on a lot to be a public nuisance under City Code § 86-2(a). Owners must keep their property and the adjoining right-of-way clear of excessive growth, and the city can send written notice, then clear the lot itself and bill the owner or place a lien if the work is not done within seven days.

Key details: Nuisance threshold: Growth over one foot presumed a nuisance. Owner duty: Applies to lot and adjoining right-of-way. Notice period: 7 days to clear after written notice. Cost recovery: City bills owner, unpaid becomes 8% lien.

Failing to clear growth over one foot within seven days of the city's written notice lets Lakeland's code enforcement division clean the lot itself under § 86-7(a) and bill the owner for the full cost plus administrative and nuisance-abatement fees. Unpaid charges become a lien against the property, bearing eight percent annual interest, under §§ 86-7(d) and 86-9.

Tree Trimming

Lakeland Code Sec. 38-56 declares any tree, palm or vegetation that grows within five feet of an electric wire a public nuisance, and Sec. 38-57 makes it unlawful for the property owner to let it happen. A companion rule in Sec. 38-54 requires owners to trim back growth that blocks a driver's view at an intersection once the traffic engineer orders it.

Key details: Electric-wire clearance: 5 feet minimum from any live wire. Wire threshold: 110 volts or more, except service cables. Notice for wire clearance: 15 days by registered mail. Sight-hazard notice: 10 days before traffic engineer hearing. Default penalty: $500 fine, 60 days jail (Sec. 1-14).

Letting a tree grow within five feet of a live electric wire violates Sec. 38-57 once the growth reaches that distance. Ignoring a traffic engineer's removal order for a sight-obstructing tree under Sec. 38-54 is a separate warrant-enforced offense. Neither trimming duty carries its own fine schedule, so violations default to the Sec. 1-14 general penalty of up to $500 and 60 days in jail per day.

The Bottom Line

Lakeland'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 Lakeland is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Lakeland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.