8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Orange County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Orange County limits grass, weeds, and undergrowth to 18 inches on improved residential lots under County Code Chapter 9. Taller vegetation is declared a public nuisance and subject to abatement lien.
Florida §163.045 preempts most local tree trimming rules for residential properties. Orange County cannot require permits or documentation to prune trees on your own residence, though arboricultural standards still apply.
Fla. Stat. § 163.045
F.S. 163.045 163.045 Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. — (1) For purposes of this section, the term: (a) "Documentation" means an onsite assessment performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture ...
Under FL §163.045, Orange County cannot require permits to remove residential trees when a certified arborist documents a danger. Specimen tree replacement may still apply for non-danger removals in some zones.
Fla. Stat. § 163.045
F.S. 163.045 163.045 Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. — (1) For purposes of this section, the term: (a) "Documentation" means an onsite assessment performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture ...
Orange County Code §9 treats noxious weeds and overgrown undergrowth over 18 inches as public nuisances subject to abatement. Invasive species like Brazilian pepper and air potato are targeted for removal.
Orange County is in the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and limits landscape irrigation to 2 days per week. Watering is prohibited between 10 AM and 4 PM year-round.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged throughout Orange County. SJRWMD and Orange County Utilities offer rebates for rain barrels and cisterns as part of water conservation programs.
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.
Artificial turf is permitted in unincorporated Orange County subject to drainage and design standards. HOAs may restrict aesthetics but cannot force natural grass if drought conditions justify turf under Florida-Friendly principles.
4 cities in Orange County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Orange County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Orange County Ordinance Hub →