Landscaping Rules in Putnam County, FL (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Putnam County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Unincorporated Putnam County does not require a permit to remove a tree from private property outside a development site, and the Land Development Code even lists tree removal as a de minimis activity exempt from concurrency review. Where a site is being developed, though, Sec. 45-514 lets the county relax setbacks and design standards specifically so a builder can keep a tree six inches in caliper or larger instead of cutting it down.
Putnam County tree removal and preservation rules
Few RestrictionsPutnam County Code § 45-514(a)(1), (b)(1)
(a)Variances.(1)The department shall be authorized to approve the following administrative deviations from certain development standards in order to protect trees with a caliper that is six inches or greater as follows:a.Setbacks for principal and accessory buildings and structures within residential zoning districts: Front or rear setbacks may be reduced up to 25 percent. Side setbacks may be ...
Weed Ordinances
In unincorporated Putnam County, letting grass, weeds or underbrush grow to where the county fire marshal calls it a fire danger makes the property a substandard premises under Sec. 8-187(a)(10), opening the door to a code enforcement order.
Putnam County Overgrown Weeds Rule
Some RestrictionsPutnam County Code § 8-187(a)(10)
(10)Growth of grass, weeds, underbrush, etc., which in the determination of the county fire marshall constitutes a fire danger.
Water Restrictions
New landscaping and screening irrigation in unincorporated Putnam County needs an approved irrigation plan, and every automatic system must run moisture sensors or rain gauges and comply with whichever water management district governs the parcel, St. Johns River or Suwannee River, under Code § 45-515(d). The county folds its watering restrictions into the district's own mandatory rules rather than setting a separate schedule.
Putnam County Irrigation Water-Use Restrictions
Some RestrictionsPutnam County Code § 45-515(d)
(d)Irrigation. Unless the requirement is waived under paragraph 3. below, when landscaping or vegetative screening is required as provided in this article, an irrigation plan shall be submitted and approved by the director prior to permitting. ... Moisture sensor and/or rain gauge equipment shall be required on automatic irrigation systems to avoid irrigation during periods of sufficient rainfa...
Native Plants
Putnam County's landscape code protects native plant communities and requires new landscaping to use species that are native or adapted to the area. Sec. 45-511 states the intent to protect native plant communities, and Sec. 45-515 requires installed landscaping to use native-or-adapted plant material and encourages retaining existing plants native to Northeast Florida during development.
Native plant landscaping rules in Putnam County
Light RestrictionsPutnam County Code §§ 45-511(a), 45-515(a)(2), (c)
(a)Intent. The purpose of the landscape regulations is to protect the general welfare of Putnam County citizens and visitors by establishing minimum standards for the protection of trees and native plant communities, to promote water conservation, to enhance the county's appearance, and to provide for the proper installation and maintenance of landscapes. ... (2)The property owner shall be resp...
All Putnam County ordinances
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