Landscaping Rules in Tampa, FL (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Tampa, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Tampa Code Sec. 22-309 makes it every tree owner's duty to trim branches projecting over a sidewalk or street to a height of at least eight feet, and to keep them at that clearance permanently. It is a distinct requirement from the separate sight-obstruction rule at intersections.
Tree Branch Clearance Rule in Tampa
Some RestrictionsTampa, FL Code of Ordinances § 22-309
It is the duty of the owners of all trees, the branches of which project over or across any sidewalk or street in the city, to cause the same to be trimmed to a height of not less than eight (8) feet above the sidewalk or street over or across which the branches of such trees shall project and to keep and maintain the branches of such trees trimmed to that height above such sidewalk or street.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tampa bans cutting, removing, relocating, damaging, or destroying any protected tree without a permit from the Planning and Development Department. Section 27-284.2.4 requires a property owner or licensed tree professional to apply with a tree survey, ties building permits to prior tree-permit approval, and grants removal only when one of nine specific review criteria is met.
Tampa Protected Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsTampa City Code § 27-284.2.4
(a)Applicant, in general. An application for protected tree removal shall be applied for by the property owner or a person licensed, or otherwise authorized by the city, to remove and plant trees in the city.(b)Application contents. Building permits shall not be issued without approved tree removal permits, where applicable. All applications for a tree removal permit shall include a tree survey...
Weed Ordinances
Tampa caps weeds, undergrowth, and other dead or living plant growth at 12 inches under Code Sec. 19-50, whenever the lot sits within 200 feet of an improved property line or recreational area, or within 25 feet of a paved street. Both improved and vacant lots count, with an exemption for trees or shrubs needing a removal permit.
Tampa's 12-Inch Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsCity of Tampa Code § 19-50(a)
The existence of excessive accumulations or untended growth of weeds, undergrowth or other dead or living plant life (but not including any trees, plants or other vegetation protected by state or local law or nuisance vegetation) upon any lot, tract or parcel of land, improved or unimproved, within two hundred (200) feet of the boundary line of any improved property or within twenty-five (25) f...
Water Restrictions
Tampa enforces year-round lawn watering schedules under Tampa Bay Water and Southwest Florida Water Management District rules, limiting irrigation to specific days and hours based on house address to conserve regional supply.
Tampa Lawn Watering Day Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCity of Tampa Water Department — Modified Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions (effective April 3, 2026)
Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has passed a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Order. In addition to the City of Tampa's current mandatory once-a-week watering restrictions (which are enforced year-round), the following modifications take effect on April 3, 2026: Watering is now prohibited between 4am and 8pm, a...
Native Plants
Tampa encourages Florida-Friendly and native-plant landscaping under City Code Chapter 27 (Zoning) and Florida Statutes §373.185, which preempts local bans. New development must meet tree and landscape standards in Chapter 13 of the Land Development Code, and Florida §720.3075(4) prevents HOAs from prohibiting Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, though reasonable design standards can apply. Tampa's Natural Resources Division issues tree removal permits.
Native Plant & Florida-Friendly Landscaping in Tampa
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 373.185
373.185 Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances. — (1) As used in this section, the term: (a) "Local government" means any county or municipality of the state. (b) "Florida-friendly landscaping" means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right pl...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is broadly permitted on residential property in Tampa. Florida SB 544 (2023), codified at §720.3075(5), preempts HOAs from prohibiting homeowner installation of synthetic turf meeting specified performance standards. City Code permits synthetic turf in most residential zones without a special permit, though commercial sites and non-residential properties may require landscape plan review under Chapter 13 of the Land Development Code.
Artificial Turf Rules in Tampa
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 720.3075(4)
720.3075 Prohibited clauses in association documents. — [...] (4)(a) 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 wate...
Composting
Tampa doesn't regulate an ordinary backyard compost pile, but a compost bin inside a permitted 'community garden, private' must sit twenty feet off the front property line and three feet off the side and rear lines under Sec. 27-132's special use standards.
Compost Bin Setbacks in Tampa Gardens
Some RestrictionsTampa Code § 27-132 (Community Garden, Private standards)
a.Size limitation. Within residential zoning districts, a community garden, private may not be greater in size than two (2) acres. ... 4.Planting beds raised three (3) feet or more above grade, compost bins, and rain barrel systems shall maintain the following yard (setbacks) from property lines: twenty (20) feet front yard, three (3) feet side yard, and three (3) feet rear yard.
Looking for Hillsborough County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tampa city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Hillsborough County →