Native Plants: Clearwater vs St. Petersburg
How do native plants rules compare between Clearwater, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Clearwater and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater encourages Florida-friendly landscaping with native plant species that conserve water and support pollinators, and Florida Statute 373.185 prohibits both city ordinances and HOA covenants from blocking property owners from installing such landscapes.
View full Clearwater rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg encourages Florida-friendly landscaping under Section 16.40.060 and protects homeowners' right to native landscapes through Florida Statute 373.185.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code section | - | Sec. 16.40.060 |
| State preemption | - | FS 373.185 |
| Banned species | - | Brazilian Pepper, Carrotwood |
| Style | - | Florida-friendly |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Clearwater?
Yes. Florida Statute 373.185 protects your right to install Florida-friendly landscaping, and the city actively promotes native plant adoption.
Can my HOA require me to keep grass instead of natives?
No. Florida Statute 373.185 prohibits deed restrictions from preventing Florida-friendly landscaping, though reasonable design and maintenance standards may still apply.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can my HOA require turf grass in St. Petersburg?
No. Florida Statute 373.185 preempts HOA rules that prohibit Florida-friendly landscaping on residential parcels, including native plants and drought-tolerant alternatives to turf grass.
Which invasive plants are banned in St. Petersburg?
Section 16.40.060 prohibits planting Brazilian Pepper, Carrotwood, Australian Pine, and other listed Category I exotic species citywide, and they must be removed during permitted landscape work.
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