Temple Terrace's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Temple Terrace, Florida, there are 8 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.

Water Restrictions

Temple Terrace is within the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Tampa Bay region year-round watering restrictions: 2 days per week for most residents, before 10 AM or after 4 PM, with addresses setting day assignments.

Key details: District: SWFWMD. Rule: 40D-22 FAC. Days: 2/week by address. Hours: Before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Fine: Up to $500.

First violation: warning. Second: $50 fine. Third: $100. Subsequent: up to $500 per occurrence. SWFWMD can independently fine up to $10,000 for commercial violations.

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

Weed Ordinances

Weeds, invasive vines, and uncultivated vegetation over 12 inches are prosecuted as nuisances under Temple Terrace Code Chapter 14. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the lot edge to the street pavement, including the city right-of-way strip.

Key details: Chapter: Code Ch. 14. Max Height: 12 inches. ROW: Owner maintains. Invasives: Air potato, pepper. Fine: $50-$500/day.

Violation notice with 10-14 day cure period. City abatement mowing: cost plus $50-$250 fee liened to property. Special Magistrate fines to $500/day for chronic noncompliance.

Grass Height Limits

Temple Terrace Code Enforcement requires turf grass and weeds on residential and vacant lots to be maintained under 12 inches. Overgrown lawns trigger courtesy notices followed by abatement mowing with costs liened to the property.

Key details: Max Height: 12 inches. Chapter: Code Ch. 14 Nuisances. Notice: 10-14 days. Protected: FL §373.185 FFL. Abatement: City mows plus fee.

Notice of Violation with compliance deadline. Unabated: city mows and liens property for cost plus $50-$250 administrative fee. Repeat offenders can face Special Magistrate fines to $500/day.

Native Plants

Florida-Friendly native plantings are expressly protected in Temple Terrace under FL §373.185. Homeowners may replace turf with native, drought-tolerant landscaping without facing nuisance citations, though HOAs may impose additional design standards.

Key details: State Law: FL §373.185. Program: FL-Friendly Landscaping. Plant Lists: UF/IFAS. HOA Limits: Design only, not ban. Principles: 9 FFL principles.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

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

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is generally allowed in Temple Terrace backyards and is common for pet areas, though front-yard use and HOA-governed properties often require architectural review. No citywide ban exists but zoning landscape buffers still require live vegetation percentages.

Key details: Backyard: Generally allowed. Front Yard: Review required. Drainage: Must not impact neighbors. FFL Protection: Does not apply. HOA: Can prohibit.

Non-compliant front yard installs: remediation order, potential fines $100-$500. HOA violations handled separately through association process.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Temple Terrace. SWFWMD and Hillsborough County offer rain barrel rebate and workshop programs. No permit is required for simple residential rain barrels or cistern systems under typical household scale.

Key details: Status: Legal, encouraged. Permit: Not required outdoor. Rebates: SWFWMD workshops. Mosquito: Screen required. Indoor Use: FBC-P applies.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Temple Terrace gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.

Tree Trimming

Homeowners in Temple Terrace may trim trees on their own property but must follow ANSI A300 standards for health and should hire an ISA-certified arborist for large or hazardous work. FL §163.045 limits local permit requirements when a certified arborist documents danger to persons or property.

Key details: Standard: ANSI A300. State Preempt: FL §163.045. Certified: ISA arborist. Utility Lines: TECO handles. Neighbor Tree: Consent needed.

Over-pruning (topping) protected species: citation plus mitigation requirements. Trimming neighbor's tree: civil liability for damages under FL common law.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removal of protected trees in Temple Terrace normally requires a tree removal permit through the city unless the tree meets the FL §163.045 danger exemption documented by an ISA-certified arborist. The city has historically been known for its oak-lined streets and enforces replacement mitigation.

Key details: Permit: Required for protected. Exempt: FL §163.045 danger. Mitigation: Replacement required. Protected: Oaks, large canopy. Fine: From $500/tree.

Unpermitted removal of protected tree: fines from $500 per tree plus replacement cost of equal canopy value. Commercial violations can exceed $5,000.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Temple Terrace gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 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.

All of the above reflects Temple Terrace'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.