St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do native plants rules compare between St. Petersburg, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs have similar restriction levels.
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 →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs encourages native plants and xeriscaping through its landscape code in Appendix A, with preservation of native vegetation and water-efficient design standards required for new development under the city's zoning ordinance.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Sec. 16.40.060 | Appendix A landscape rules |
| State preemption | FS 373.185 | - |
| Banned species | Brazilian Pepper, Carrotwood | - |
| Style | Florida-friendly | - |
| Xeriscape | - | Required for new projects |
| Native preservation | - | Encouraged citywide |
| State protection | - | FS 373.185 Florida-friendly |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Am I required to use native plants in Tarpon Springs?
Existing residential properties are not required to use natives, but new commercial and multi-family projects must follow xeriscape and native preservation standards in Appendix A.
Can my HOA stop me from using Florida-friendly landscaping?
No. Florida Statute 373.185 prevents HOAs from prohibiting Florida-friendly landscaping practices, including the use of native and drought-tolerant species.
Where can I find approved native species lists?
The city's landscape code references Florida-friendly plant lists, and University of Florida IFAS Extension publishes recommended species for Pinellas County.
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