Landscaping Rules in Orlando, FL (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Orlando, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Orlando City Code Ch. 43 (Nuisances) requires property owners to maintain grass and weeds at a reasonable height, generally not exceeding 12 inches. Overgrown lots are declared a public nuisance subject to abatement and lien. The city issues a written notice and allows time to cure before mowing the lot at owner expense. Vacant lots, foreclosed properties, and rental homes are common targets for enforcement.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Orlando regulates pruning and trimming of trees on private property under City Code Ch. 60 and the Land Development Code. Routine pruning of branches under 4 inches in diameter does not require a permit, but heavy pruning, topping, or removal of major scaffold limbs of protected trees requires a permit and must follow ANSI A300 standards. The Orlando Urban Forestry division enforces street tree protections.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Orlando requires a tree removal permit for removing protected trees on private property under City Code Ch. 60. However, Florida HB 1159 (codified as FS 163.045) preempts local government from requiring permits or replacement for removal of trees on residential property if a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect documents the tree presents a danger. Non-residential properties and undocumented removals still require city permits.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 163.045(2)
A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. A tree poses an unacceptable risk if ...
Weed Ordinances
Orlando enforces weed control under City Code Ch. 43 (Nuisances) which prohibits accumulation of noxious weeds, overgrown vegetation, and invasive plants that create a public nuisance, harbor pests, or pose fire risk. Florida-friendly landscaping with native plants is protected from HOA bans under FS 720.3075. Common Florida invasive species like Brazilian pepper, air potato, and cogon grass should be removed.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Orlando is under the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) year-round water conservation rules limiting landscape irrigation to two days per week. Watering is allowed only before 10 AM or after 4 PM (effectively pre-6am or post-4pm for evaporation efficiency). Even-numbered addresses water Thursday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses water Wednesday and Saturday; non-residential water Tuesday and Friday. Hand watering is exempt at any time.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Florida law and Orlando code permit rainwater harvesting without restriction, and the city encourages it as part of stormwater reduction and water conservation. Rain barrels and small cisterns require no permit. Larger cisterns over 250 gallons connected to building plumbing require plumbing permits and backflow prevention. Harvested rainwater can be used for landscape irrigation freely; potable use requires additional treatment and permits.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Florida actively protects homeowners right to install native and drought-tolerant landscaping. FS 720.3075 prohibits HOAs from banning Florida-friendly landscaping. Florida SB 544 (2023) further strengthened these protections by clarifying that HOAs cannot prohibit replacement of turf grass with low-water alternatives. Orlando encourages native plants through SJRWMD and Orange County Extension programs and incorporates them in city landscaping standards.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 720.3075(4)
The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state's water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners' associations and local governments is essential to the state's efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restoration. Homeowne...
Artificial Turf
Orlando does not specifically prohibit artificial turf on private residential property, but the city generally encourages live landscaping for stormwater absorption, heat island reduction, and aesthetics. Artificial turf may be subject to HOA restrictions, although FS 720.3075 protections for Florida-friendly landscaping apply primarily to live native plants rather than synthetic surfaces. Artificial turf in front yards may be restricted in historic preservation districts.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Orlando city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Orange County →