Landscaping Rules in North Miami, FL (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for North Miami, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
North Miami requires all property owners to maintain their lawns mowed to an aesthetically pleasing height not exceeding 8 inches under Chapter 12 (Nuisances). This requirement extends to public right-of-way areas including swales and alleyways adjacent to the property. Properties must also be free of trash, litter, and debris.
North Miami Grass Height & Lawn Maintenance Requirements
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
North Miami requires permits for tree removal. Mangrove trimming along Biscayne Bay regulated by state FDEP. Hurricane pruning encouraged before storm season. Invasive species removal actively supported by the city.
North Miami Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
North Miami has a comprehensive tree protection ordinance requiring permits for the removal of protected trees. Trees with a trunk diameter of 3 inches or more at 4.5 feet above grade are protected and cannot be removed without a permit. Specimen and heritage trees receive additional protections, and mitigation (replanting or payment) is required for approved removals.
North Miami Tree Removal and Protection Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
North Miami's Chapter 12 (Nuisances) requires properties to be maintained free of weeds, overgrowth, and debris. Vegetation exceeding 8 inches is considered a nuisance. Chapter 5 (Building Standards) further requires all properties and structures to be maintained in good condition. Tree removal or damage requires a permit from Community Planning & Development.
North Miami Weed & Property Maintenance Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
North Miami follows water management district restrictions. Watering days and times designated. FL §373.185 protects Florida-Friendly Landscaping rights.
North Miami Water Restrictions & Landscape Watering
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Florida law (F.S. 373.228) explicitly authorizes rainwater harvesting and preempts local governments from prohibiting the practice. North Miami residents may collect and use rainwater for outdoor irrigation and other non-potable uses without a permit. Rain barrel programs are encouraged as part of the city's stormwater management and water conservation efforts.
North Miami Rainwater Harvesting Regulations
Few RestrictionsFlorida Statutes § 373.228 (Landscape irrigation design)
F.S. 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 ...
Native Plants
North Miami encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles and native plant use. Florida law (F.S. 373.185) prohibits local governments and HOAs from banning Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices. The city promotes native and drought-tolerant plant species as part of its water conservation and Biscayne Bay protection efforts.
North Miami Native Plant and Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Few RestrictionsFlorida Statutes § 373.185(3) (Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances)
Each water management district shall also work with the department, local governments, county extension agents or offices, nursery and landscape industry groups, and other interested stakeholders to promote, through educational programs, publications, and other district activities authorized under this chapter, the use of Florida-friendly landscaping practices, including the use of solid waste ...
Artificial Turf
North Miami does not prohibit artificial turf installation on residential properties. Florida law protects homeowners' rights to use Florida-Friendly Landscaping alternatives. Artificial turf installations should comply with general property maintenance standards and may require consideration of drainage and stormwater management given North Miami's flood zone location.
North Miami Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsFlorida Statutes § 373.185(3) (Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances)
Each water management district shall also work with the department, local governments, county extension agents or offices, nursery and landscape industry groups, and other interested stakeholders to promote, through educational programs, publications, and other district activities authorized under this chapter, the use of Florida-friendly landscaping practices, including the use of solid waste ...
Composting
North Miami permits residential composting of yard waste and organic kitchen scraps. Compost bins must be maintained to prevent odors, pest attraction, and nuisance conditions. Miami-Dade County solid waste regulations complement local rules on organic waste management.
North Miami Composting Regulations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Miami-Dade County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement North Miami city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Miami-Dade County →