Landscaping Rules in Jacksonville, FL (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Jacksonville, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Jacksonville Property Standards Code requires grass, weeds, and undergrowth on improved residential lots be maintained under approximately 18 inches. Violations result in city abatement (mowing) with cost + lien on property.
landscaping/grass-height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Jacksonville Tree Protection Ordinance (Ordinance Code Chapter 656, Part 12) regulates pruning of protected trees. Permit required for major pruning of regulated trees (generally DBH 6" or greater). Improper pruning treated as removal.
landscaping/tree-trimming
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Jacksonville has comprehensive tree protection under Jax Ord. Code Ch. 656, Part 12, Subpart B (Tree Protection) and Charter Article 25. Protected trees include those with circumference at breast height of 3 feet or more (excluding most pines and palms), trees 6+ inches DBH within 20 ft of a street right-of-way, 8+ inches within 10 ft of property lines, 11.5+ inches elsewhere on the lot, and hardwoods 24+ inches DBH (exceptional specimens). Removal without a permit is prohibited under §656.1205.
Jacksonville Tree Removal Permits & Protected Species
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Jacksonville Property Safety and Maintenance Code (Ord. Code Ch. 518) requires grass/weeds not exceed 12 inches. Invasive species removal (e.g., Brazilian pepper, Chinese tallow) encouraged; Cuban laurel and other prohibited plants regulated.
landscaping/weed-ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Jacksonville follows St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) year-round irrigation rules: 2 days/week based on address, no watering 10 AM-4 PM. Stricter limits during declared drought.
landscaping/water-restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Jacksonville does not prohibit residential rainwater harvesting. Florida law (F.S. §373.185) encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices including water conservation. The St. Johns River Water Management District's model ordinance, adopted locally through Jax Ord. Code §366.501, restricts landscape irrigation to scheduled days and prohibits watering between 10 AM and 4 PM, making rain barrels a practical supplement. The city's stormwater utility (Ch. 754) encourages reducing runoff.
Jacksonville Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Jacksonville encourages native and Florida-Friendly landscaping through Jax Ord. Code Ch. 656, Part 12 (Landscape and Tree Protection Regulations) and state law F.S. §373.185. Properties adjacent to water bodies must maintain at least a 6-foot zone of landscaping or ground cover that does not require intensive fertilizer, watering, or mowing. HOAs cannot prohibit Florida-Friendly Landscaping under state statute. The city's fertilizer ordinance (§366.601) further supports low-impact landscaping.
Jacksonville Native Plant & Xeriscape Landscaping Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Jacksonville does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or regulating artificial turf on residential properties. The UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping program does not consider artificial turf to be Florida-Friendly due to heat island effects and loss of soil biology. HOAs may have covenants addressing artificial turf, but Florida law (F.S. §373.185) protects Florida-Friendly Landscaping, which does not include synthetic turf. Property maintenance standards under Ch. 518 require yards be maintained.
Jacksonville Artificial Turf Installation Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Duval County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Jacksonville city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Duval County →