Seminole vs St. Petersburg
How do native plants rules compare between Seminole, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Seminole and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Seminole, FL encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping under FS 373.185, which prevents HOAs and local governments from prohibiting drought-tolerant native plantings. The City supports Pinellas County extension programs for native plant guidance.
View full Seminole 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 | Seminole | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Governing statute | FS 373.185 | - |
| HOA preemption | Yes for Florida-Friendly | - |
| Required ground cover | Yes but turf not required | - |
| Mitigation credits | Native trees preferred | - |
| Extension support | Pinellas UF/IFAS office | - |
| 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.
Seminole FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a turf lawn in Seminole?
No. Florida Statute 373.185 prohibits HOAs and local governments from banning Florida-Friendly Landscaping. You may replace turf with approved native and drought-tolerant species.
Do native plantings count toward Seminole tree mitigation?
Yes. Replacement plantings under Chapter 62 favor native canopy species, and live oak, slash pine, and southern magnolia commonly satisfy mitigation requirements.
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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