Landscaping Rules in Winter Haven, FL (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Winter Haven, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Winter Haven property owners must prune any tree overhanging a street or right-of-way so branches never block a streetlight, obscure an intersection, or dip below eight feet of clearance over the street or sidewalk. City Code § 15-310 also requires removing dead, diseased or hazardous limbs that threaten public safety.
Winter Haven Street Tree Pruning & Clearance
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Code of Ordinances § 15-310
Every owner of any tree overhanging any street or right-of-way within the city shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight (8) feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk. Said owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees or bro...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Winter Haven requires a tree removal permit before anyone removes, relocates or replaces a protected or specimen tree under ULDC Sec. 21-184, issued by the City Manager's designee. The rule applies citywide but exempts single-family detached and duplex residential land, which covers most homeowners' own yards.
Winter Haven Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Unified Land Development Code §§ 21-183, 21-184
(a)Except as specifically excluded herein, the requirements and regulations of sections 21-182 through 21-188 of this division shall apply to all land within the City of Winter Haven. (b)Exemptions. The following are exempt from all tree-related requirements of sections 21-182 through 21-188 of this division:(1)Single-family detached and duplex residential land uses. ... No person shall engage ...
Weed Ordinances
Winter Haven caps weeds and plant growth on any lot at twelve inches under its Minimum Property Maintenance Standards. Grass, weeds and vegetation over that height trigger a Code Enforcement violation, with noxious weeds banned outright regardless of height.
Winter Haven Weed and Overgrowth Limit
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Code of Ordinances § 5-73 (amending IPMC § 302.4)
302.4 Weeds and overgrowth. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of twelve (12) inches in height. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs: provided that the term weeds shall not include cultivated flowers, cultivated gardens and Central region plants listed on the most current ed...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Winter Haven city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Polk County →