Ormond Beach's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Ormond Beach, Florida, there are 4 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.

Grass Height Limits

Ormond Beach enforces lawn maintenance through the Neighborhood Improvement Division. High weeds and grass are common code violations. Per Florida law effective July 1, 2021, code inspectors cannot initiate investigations without a complaint, and the complainant's identity becomes public record.

Key details: Enforcement: Neighborhood Improvement Div. Complaint-Based: FL law July 2021. Complainant ID: Public record. Contact: (386) 676-3352.

First violation receives a notice to mow within 10-14 days. Failure to comply: county mows and bills $200–$800 plus $150 admin fee. Repeat violations within 12 months face $100–$500 fines.

Water Restrictions

Ormond Beach follows St. Johns River Water Management District watering restrictions. Irrigation is limited to designated days based on address. Watering is prohibited between 10 AM and 4 PM. Florida-Friendly Landscaping is encouraged under FL §373.185.

Key details: Authority: St. Johns River WMD. Prohibited Time: 10 AM – 4 PM. Assigned Days: Based on address. State Law: FL §373.185 FL-Friendly yards.

Water waste (runoff, midday watering) carries fines of $50–$200 per occurrence. Drought-stage violations escalate from warnings to $100-$500 fines with potential service flow restriction for repeat violators.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Ormond Beach requires inspection and a tree removal permit for all proposed tree removals. Protected trees include hardwoods and palms over 6 inches diameter and pines over 10 inches. Permits are issued by the Neighborhood Improvement Division at (386) 676-3352.

Key details: Permit Required: All tree removals. Inspection: Required before removal. Contact: (386) 676-3352. Replacements: May be required.

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

Ormond Beach protects trees through its Land Development Code. Protected trees include all hardwood trees and palms over 6 inches diameter and pines over 10 inches diameter (measured at 4.5 feet DBH). The city recognizes the environmental, economic, and aesthetic importance of its urban tree canopy.

Key details: Protected Hardwoods: Over 6 inches diameter. Protected Pines: Over 10 inches diameter. Measurement: 4.5 feet DBH. Permit: Required for removal.

Failure to trim overhanging branches after a notice results in the county performing the work and billing the owner $200–$2,000 depending on scope. Emergency removals for hazardous trees may be performed without prior notice.

The Bottom Line

Ormond Beach'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 Ormond Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Ormond Beach can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.