Landscaping Rules in Ocoee, FL (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Ocoee, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Ocoee requires residential and commercial properties to maintain lawn grass and weeds no taller than 12 inches. Overgrown vegetation is a code enforcement nuisance subject to abatement and liens. Vacant lots are held to the same standard.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Ocoee regulates trimming of protected trees through its landscape and tree preservation ordinance. Routine maintenance pruning that does not exceed 25 percent of the canopy generally does not require a permit. Heavy trimming or topping of specimen trees requires review by the city arborist.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Ocoee requires a tree removal permit for any protected tree 8 inches DBH or larger on private property. Replacement or mitigation fees apply unless the tree qualifies as dangerous under FL §163.045, which preempts local permits when an ISA-certified arborist documents the risk.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 163.045
F.S. 163.045 163.045 Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. — (1) For purposes of this section, the term: (a) "Documentation" means an onsite assessment performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture ...
Weed Ordinances
Ocoee enforces weed and noxious vegetation rules through its general nuisance code, treating unmaintained growth over 12 inches as a violation. Invasive species such as Brazilian pepper, air potato, and cogongrass should be removed to prevent spread.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Ocoee is within the St. Johns River Water Management District, which limits residential landscape irrigation to two days per week based on address, and prohibits watering between 10 AM and 4 PM. Eastern Standard Time schedules apply year-round.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Ocoee. Rain barrels and cisterns for irrigation do not require a permit when gravity-fed and not connected to the potable water system. Cross-connection with municipal plumbing is prohibited.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Ocoee homeowners may install Florida-Friendly Landscaping using native and drought-tolerant plants. FL §373.185 preempts any local rule, HOA covenant, or deed restriction that prohibits FL-Friendly yards. The program is promoted by UF/IFAS Extension.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Ocoee front and back yards subject to HOA approval and zoning review. The city requires turf products to meet drainage and quality standards and generally discourages full-yard replacement of living landscape in highly visible areas.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ocoee city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Orange County →