How Miramar Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Miramar maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Miramar falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Miramar requires approval before removing or altering any trees. A tree work permit application must be filed. Trimming of dead/diseased portions and removal of hazardous branches for public safety is permitted without approval.

Key details: Permit: Required for removal or altering. Dead/Diseased: Trimming allowed without permit. Standard: ANSI A300 tree care. State Law: FL §373.185 — FL-Friendly protected.

Removing a protected tree without a permit: $500–$5,000 per tree. Heritage tree violations: up to $10,000 per tree plus mandatory replacement planting. Stop-work orders for development sites with unauthorized removal.

Tree Trimming

All trees and hedges must be maintained healthy and neatly trimmed. Trees may not be removed or altered without city approval — a tree work permit application is required. Broward County protects native trees over 3 inches. Improper pruning (topping, hat-racking) prohibited.

Key details: Tree Work: Permit application required. Protected Size: Native trees 3+ inches. Prohibited Pruning: Topping, hat-racking. Replacement: 1:1 canopy. Contact: (954) 602-4357.

Tree work without permit: fines up to $5,000 per tree. Improper pruning: corrective action required.

Grass Height Limits

Miramar requires grass to be cut and edged regularly. Overgrown grass is a top code compliance priority. All properties including vacant lots must be maintained. The city sets codes for grass height and outdoor storage. Code Compliance at 954-602-3174.

Key details: Standard: Cut and edged regularly. Trees/Hedges: Healthy and neatly trimmed. Hazards: None from landscaping. Enforcement: Top priority. Contact: 954-602-3174.

Overgrown grass results in code compliance citations with deadlines. Escalating fines for non-compliance.

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

Water Restrictions

Miramar enforces South Florida Water Management District Year-Round Irrigation Rule (Ch. 40E-24 FAC). Landscape irrigation limited to 2 days per week with no daytime watering. The city's Utilities Department provides irrigation schedule details. Hand watering permitted anytime.

Key details: Frequency: 2 days per week maximum. Daytime: Never allowed. Schedule: By odd/even address. Hand Watering: Permitted anytime. Authority: SFWMD Ch. 40E-24.

Watering on restricted days or during prohibited hours violates SFWMD rules.

Artificial Turf

No city ban on artificial turf. FL Statute 163.3205 protects drought-tolerant landscaping. No permit typically required. Must maintain appearance. HOA restrictions limited by state law.

Key details: Ban: None. State Law: FL §163.3205 protects. Permit: Not typically required. HOA: Limited by state law. Maintenance: Must be maintained.

Poorly maintained turf creating blighting conditions may be cited.

The rules around artificial turf in Miramar lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Native Plants

FL Statute 163.3205 protects Florida-friendly landscaping rights. HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant alternatives. Miramar promotes sustainable living. SFWMD encourages water-efficient landscaping.

Key details: State Protection: FL §163.3205. HOA Limits: Cannot ban native plants. City Program: Sustainable living. Water Savings: SFWMD encourages. Resources: UF/IFAS guidelines.

No violations for compliant Florida-friendly landscaping.

The rules around native plants in Miramar lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rainwater Harvesting

Legal under FL Statute 373.62. No city permit for rain barrels. HOAs cannot ban. Use for irrigation/non-potable. Prevent mosquito breeding.

Key details: Legal: Yes (FL §373.62). Permit: Not required for rain barrels. HOA Ban: Prohibited. Use: Irrigation, non-potable. Mosquitoes: Must prevent standing water.

No violations for properly maintained systems. Standing water: health code issue.

The rules around rainwater harvesting in Miramar lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Weed Ordinances

Miramar enforces strict weed and vegetation control. All properties maintained free of blighting conditions. Grass cut and edged regularly. Code Compliance patrols actively. City may abate and lien property for costs.

Key details: Standard: Cut and edged regularly. Applies To: All properties including vacant. Enforcement: Top priority — active patrols. Abatement: City may clear and lien. Contact: 954-602-3174.

Citations with deadlines. Escalating fines. City may abate and lien.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Miramar actively enforces its weed ordinances requirements.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Miramar gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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