Native Plants: Bay Hill vs Orlando
How do native plants rules compare between Bay Hill, FL and Orlando, FL?
Bay Hill and Orlando have similar restriction levels.
Bay Hill, FL
Orange County
Florida §373.185 protects homeowner rights to install Florida-Friendly Landscaping using native and drought-tolerant plants. HOAs cannot ban Florida-Friendly yards in Orange County.
View full Bay Hill rules →Orlando, FL
Orange County
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.
View full Orlando rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bay Hill | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | FL §373.185 | - |
| HOA Ban | Preempted | - |
| Program | UF/IFAS FFL | - |
| Orange County Ext | Free plant guides | - |
| HOA Preemption | - | FS 720.3075 - cannot ban Florida-friendly landscaping |
| 2023 Update | - | SB 544 strengthens turf replacement rights |
| Definition | - | FS 373.185 - Nine Florida-Friendly Principles |
| Local Program | - | Orlando Green Works native plant resources |
| Maintenance Required | - | Must comply with city nuisance codes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bay Hill FAQ
Who enforces this in Orange County?
Orange County code enforcement at (407) 836-3111 handles complaints.
Who enforces this in Orange County?
Orange County code enforcement at (407) 836-3111 handles complaints.
Orlando FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep St. Augustine grass?
No. Under FS 720.3075 and SB 544, HOAs cannot prohibit replacement of turf with Florida-friendly alternatives like wildflower meadows, native ground covers, or expanded planting beds, as long as your design meets the Nine Principles.
Do I need city approval to convert my lawn to natives?
Generally no for single-family residential. The city encourages native conversion. Submit a landscape plan if you are removing significant trees or converting front yards in historic districts that have specific design guidelines.
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