Landscaping Rules in Miami Beach, FL (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Miami Beach, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Miami Beach requires property owners to maintain lawns and landscaping in a well-kept condition under Chapter 46 (Environment) and property maintenance standards. Overgrown grass, weeds, and unmaintained vegetation are code violations subject to enforcement by Code Compliance. Vacant lots are held to the same maintenance standards as occupied properties.
Miami Beach Grass Height & Lawn Maintenance Requirements
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Miami Beach requires permits for tree removal and significant trimming. Coconut palms and sea grapes protected as coastal species. Art Deco Historic District landscaping changes require design review approval.
Miami Beach Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Miami Beach strictly regulates tree removal under Chapter 126 (Landscape Ordinance) Section 126-5. No person may cut down, destroy, move, or effectively destroy any tree without a Tree Work Permit. Removal must be justified, and replacement or relocation of trees is required.
Miami Beach Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Miami Beach prohibits properties from becoming overgrown with weeds, invasive vegetation, or unkempt plant growth under Chapter 46 of the City Code. Property owners must remove noxious weeds, invasive species, and dead vegetation. The city actively enforces property maintenance standards, especially in tourist-facing areas and historic districts.
Miami Beach Weed & Overgrowth Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Miami Beach follows water management district restrictions. Watering days and times designated. FL §373.185 protects Florida-Friendly Landscaping rights.
Miami Beach Water Restrictions & Landscape Watering
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Florida law permits rainwater harvesting statewide, and Miami Beach does not impose additional restrictions beyond state and county standards. Collected rainwater may be used for landscape irrigation, vehicle washing, pool filling, and other non-potable purposes consistent with Florida DEP guidelines.
Miami Beach Rainwater Harvesting Regulations
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Miami Beach promotes Florida-Friendly Landscaping through Chapter 126 (Landscape Ordinance) and requires native and drought-tolerant plant species in new landscaping plans. The city's resilience strategy emphasizes salt-tolerant native vegetation suitable for the barrier island environment.
Miami Beach Native Plant and Landscaping Standards
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Miami Beach regulates artificial turf installation through Chapter 126 (Landscape Ordinance). Artificial turf is permitted in certain applications but must meet city standards for appearance, drainage, and heat mitigation, and cannot fully replace required landscape coverage in new development.
Miami Beach Artificial Turf Regulations
Some RestrictionsComposting
Miami Beach does not have a specific composting ordinance. Residential composting is permitted subject to general property maintenance and sanitation standards. The city's fertilizer ordinance and environmental regulations provide the framework for organic waste management on the barrier island.
Miami Beach Composting Regulations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Miami-Dade County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Miami Beach city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Miami-Dade County →