Landscaping Rules in Palm Coast, FL

If you live in Palm Coast or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Palm Coast has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Artificial Turf

Palm Coast's nuisance-abatement ordinance defines acceptable yard landscaping and expressly lists artificial turf as an allowed material. Sec. 35-76(d)(2)d. says landscape may include grass, groundcovers, bushes, shrubs, hedges, decorative rock or bark, or artificial turf/sod designed specifically for residential installation, while excluding weeds, gravel, broken concrete and asphalt as substitutes.

Key details: Artificial turf status: Expressly permitted as landscape material. Governing section: City Code § 35-76(d)(2)d.. Prohibited substitutes: Weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt. Enforcement: Code Enforcement Officer citation, Code Enforcement Board.

A yard that is not maintained as required, including landscape made of prohibited material like weeds, gravel, broken concrete or asphalt instead of grass, plantings or artificial turf, exposes the owner to a citation or notice of violation from the Code Enforcement Officer and referral to the Code Enforcement Board or Hearing Officer (Sec. 35-76(d)(2)g.). The city can order summary abatement without prior notice if the condition rises to an imminent public health threat, billing the owner afterward (Sec. 35-76(e)).

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

Weed Ordinances

Palm Coast code enforcement treats excessive, untended grass, weeds and brush on any improved lot as a public nuisance under City Code Sec. 35-76. There's no fixed inch limit; the standard is growth left "wild and unkempt." Owners get a written notice of remedy with 10 calendar days to abate before the City can clean the lot and bill them.

Key details: Standard: Growth "wild and unkempt," no fixed inch limit. Cure period: 10 calendar days from notice posting. Appeal fee: $25 nonrefundable, filed within 15 days. Admin cost added: $150 per City-abated violation. Unpaid lien interest: 18 percent per annum.

Failure to abate within the 10-day notice period lets the City hire a contractor to clear the lot and bill the owner for the actual contract cost, service-of-notice expenses, title research, and a $150 administrative fee under Sec. 35-76(f)-(h). Unpaid bills become a lien accruing 18 percent annual interest and can be certified as a non-ad valorem assessment on the county tax roll, risking a tax certificate or tax deed sale if it goes unpaid past December 1.

The Bottom Line

Palm Coast'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 Palm Coast is broadly strict or permissive.

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