9 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Polk County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Polk County, grass or weeds on a lot two acres or less adjacent to a residential or commercial parcel may not exceed 18 inches high on more than 10% of the property. The Property Maintenance Ordinance is enforced by Building and Codes.
Unincorporated Polk County sets no permit for routine trimming of trees on private residential property. Florida law (FS 163.045) bars any local permit or fee for trimming when a certified arborist documents the tree is a danger. Utilities may trim trees near their lines.
FS 163.045(2)
A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property if the property owner obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.
Unincorporated Polk County does not require a county permit to remove a tree on private residential land. Florida Statute 163.045 forbids local permit, fee or replanting requirements when a certified arborist documents the tree is a danger. Cities and wetlands rules can still apply.
FS 163.045(3)
A local government may not require a property owner to replant a tree that was pruned, trimmed, or removed in accordance with this section.
Polk County's Property Maintenance Ordinance (08-047) prohibits weeds over 18 inches on lots two acres or less next to residential or commercial parcels. Code Enforcement handles complaints; failure to cut leads to county abatement and a lien for costs.
Most of Polk County is in the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), which sets year-round twice-weekly limits: even addresses Thursday/Sunday, odd addresses Wednesday/Saturday, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. A Modified Phase III shortage order currently tightens this to about one day per week.
SWFWMD Year-Round Water Conservation Measures (Rule 40D-22, F.A.C.)
Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Locations without a discernable address, such as rights-of-way and other common areas inside a subdivision, may water on Tuesday and/or Friday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Neither Polk County nor Florida restricts residential rainwater harvesting; rain barrels and cisterns are legal and encouraged for conservation. SWFWMD and UF/IFAS promote them. Water-restriction watering-day and hour limits do not apply to hand watering or harvested rainwater.
Polk County's Land Development Code requires new non-residential and multifamily development to use water-efficient, Florida-friendly landscaping, with native trees making up at least 60% of required trees. Invasive Category 1 and 2 species are banned from required plantings.
Polk County LDC Sec. 720.E.5
Native trees shall comprise at least 60 percent of all required trees within the landscape areas of the site. In no case shall Class 1 or Class 2 invasive species, as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, be used to comply with proper plant selection.
Polk County's Land Development Code does not prohibit artificial turf on residential property, but its landscaping standards for new development favor living, Florida-friendly plantings; synthetic turf generally does not count toward required landscaping or canopy. Homeowner and HOA rules may vary.
Polk County LDC Sec. 720.E.3.c
Turf grass shall not be planted in areas smaller than four feet in width. Native or drought tolerant ground cover is an effective alternative to turf in such areas.
Polk County does not prohibit backyard composting; UF/IFAS Polk Extension actively promotes home composting. Compost piles must not become a nuisance overgrowth, odor, rodents or vectors are enforceable under the county's Property Maintenance Ordinance and health rules.
2 cities in Polk County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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