Landscaping Rules in Polk County, FL (2026)
6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Polk County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
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.
Trimming and pruning trees in Polk County
Some RestrictionsFS 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.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
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.
Removing a tree on residential property in Polk County
Some RestrictionsFS 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.
Weed Ordinances
Grass and weeds on improved lots in unincorporated Polk County cannot grow taller than 18 inches on more than ten percent of the property, per the county's Property Maintenance Ordinance. Larger and platted lots face the same 18-inch cap near buildings, and code officers can order a mowing after a ten-day notice or place a lien for the county's abatement cost.
Overgrown Lot and Weed Height Rules in Polk County
Some RestrictionsPolk County Code § 8-155(d)(1), (4) (Ord. No. 08-047, § 6)
(d)Overgrown lots. Overgrown lots are prohibited as follows:(1)Except as provided in section 8-155(d)(4), any grass or weeds on a lot two (2) acres or less in size that is adjacent to a parcel that contains a residential or commercial building shall not exceed the height of eighteen (18) inches from the ground for more than ten (10) per cent of the property; ... (4)Sections 8-155(1), (2) and (3...
Water Restrictions
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.
Lawn watering restrictions in Polk County
Some RestrictionsSWFWMD 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.
Native Plants
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.
Native and Florida-friendly plants in Polk County
Some RestrictionsPolk 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.
Artificial Turf
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.
Artificial turf rules in Polk County
Some RestrictionsPolk 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.
Landscaping Rules by City in Polk County
2 cities in Polk County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Polk County ordinances
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