How Winter Haven Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Winter Haven maintains 54 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Winter Haven falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Grass Height Limits

Winter Haven Minimum Property Maintenance Standards Sec. 302.4 (Ord. O-10-15) prohibits weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches in height on any premises. Cultivated flower beds, vegetable gardens, and Florida Friendly plants from the UF/IFAS Central region list are exempt.

Key details: Maximum Height: 12 inches. MPMS Section: Sec. 302.4. Adoption: Ord. O-10-15 (Aug 2010). Exempt: FL Friendly + cultivated gardens. Compliance Window: Typically 10 days.

Code Compliance issues a notice giving 10 days to mow; failure to comply allows the city to mow and lien the property for costs (typically $150-$400 per cut plus admin fee) under MPMS Sec. 106.3. Daily fines up to $250 through Special Magistrate under FS Ch. 162.

Water Restrictions

Winter Haven is in the Southwest Florida Water Management District. As of April 2026, Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions are in effect through July 1, 2026 - even addresses water Tuesdays, odd addresses water Thursdays, before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m. only, once per week.

Key details: Authority: SWFWMD + City Code. Current Phase: Modified Phase III (Apr-Jul 2026). Even Addresses: Tuesday only. Odd Addresses: Thursday only. Hours: Before 4 a.m. OR after 8 p.m..

Citations are issued by city code and law enforcement officers under the local water restriction ordinance. Watering outside the allowed window on a scheduled day, or on a non-scheduled day, may result in a citation under Ch. 1 (Sec. 1-13) and the SWFWMD enforcement framework - typically a warning first, then a $50-$250 fine for repeat offenses.

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

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tree removal on private property in Winter Haven is regulated by Chapter 21 ULDC tree-protection provisions and Florida Statute §163.045 which preempts most permit and replanting requirements when a Florida-licensed arborist or landscape architect documents a tree as dangerous.

Key details: Local Code: Ch. 21 ULDC. State Preemption: FS §163.045. Dangerous Tree: Arborist letter required. Arborist Cert: ISA-certified or FL Reg. LA. ROW Tree: Engineer permit required.

Removing a protected tree without authorization (where required) is a Ch. 21 violation. Code Compliance can require tree replacement, mitigation fees, or daily fines up to $250 under FS Ch. 162 through the Special Magistrate.

The Bottom Line

Winter Haven'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 Winter Haven is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Winter Haven's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.