Landscaping Rules in Homestead, FL (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Homestead, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Homestead requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation at or below 12 inches. The city's tropical climate promotes rapid growth, making regular mowing essential. Code Compliance actively patrols for overgrown properties and issues citations with escalating fines for repeat offenders.
Homestead Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Homestead requires property owners to trim trees that overhang sidewalks, streets, and public rights-of-way. Vertical clearance of 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets must be maintained. City-owned street trees are maintained by the Public Works Department. Trimming of certain protected species may require review.
Homestead Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in Homestead is regulated under Miami-Dade County Code Section 24-49. Protected native species like live oak, mahogany, gumbo limbo, and royal palm require permits for removal. Dead, hazardous, or invasive species (Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, melaleuca) can be removed without permits. Mitigation through replanting or tree fund contribution may be required.
Homestead Tree Removal & Protected Trees
Some RestrictionsMiami-Dade County Code Sec. 24-49 — Tree Removal (Homestead has own tree ordinance)
Tree Removal or Relocation Permits: A tree removal/relocation permit is required for the removal or relocation of any tree within Miami-Dade County not specifically exempt under the Environmental Code of Miami-Dade County. [...] Municipal Jurisdictions: The municipalities below have their own tree ordinances that address tree removal requirements for most residential or commercial properties. C...
Weed Ordinances
Homestead requires property owners to control weeds, overgrown vegetation, and invasive plants. Properties must be maintained free of noxious weeds and excessive growth. The city's tropical climate supports rapid weed growth year-round. Vacant lots are frequently cited for weed violations.
Homestead Weed & Vegetation Control Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Homestead follows South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) year-round landscape irrigation rules. Watering is limited to two days per week based on address. Irrigation is prohibited between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. New landscaping may qualify for temporary watering exemptions. Violations carry increasing fines.
Homestead Water Restrictions & Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsSFWMD — Water Conservation (Landscape Watering Restrictions)
Conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting South Florida's water supplies for today and for our future generations. Around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in central and southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors – for watering our lawns, drinking and bathing, growing our crops and servicing our industries. Future water needs are projected...
Rainwater Harvesting
Florida law (FL Statute Section 373.228) encourages rainwater harvesting statewide. Homestead residents may collect rainwater using rain barrels and cisterns without a permit for non-potable uses like irrigation. HOA restrictions on rain barrels are preempted by state law. South Florida's rainy season makes harvesting particularly effective.
Homestead Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. 373.228
373.228 Landscape irrigation design. — (1) The Legislature finds that multiple areas throughout the state have been identified by water management districts as water resource caution areas, which indicates that in the near future water demand in those areas will exceed the current available water supply and that conservation is one of the mechanisms by which future water demand will be met. (2)...
Native Plants
Homestead encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping using native and drought-tolerant plants. FL Statute Section 373.185 prohibits local governments and HOAs from restricting Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Native species suited to Homestead include silver buttonwood, sea grape, green buttonwood, and various native palms. The city borders unique pine rockland and tropical hardwood hammock ecosystems.
Homestead Native Plant & Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Homestead does not prohibit artificial turf installation in residential landscapes. Artificial turf may help conserve water given SFWMD irrigation restrictions. HOAs may have their own rules, but Florida law protects water-conserving landscaping choices. Installation may require ensuring proper drainage given Homestead's high water table and flood risk.
Homestead Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Miami-Dade County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Homestead city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Miami-Dade County →