Landscaping Rules in Seminole County, FL (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Seminole County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Routine trimming and pruning of your own trees is generally allowed, but removal (and some heavy trimming) of protected trees in unincorporated Seminole County requires an Arbor Permit under Land Development Code Chapter 60. Florida law also lets homeowners skip permits for hazardous trees with arborist documentation.
Tree Trimming Rules in Unincorporated Seminole County
Some RestrictionsFS 163.045
A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses 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
An Arbor Permit is required before removing protected trees in unincorporated Seminole County under Land Development Code Chapter 60. Developed single-family lots of 3 acres or less with a house are exempt, and FS 163.045 waives permits for certified-hazardous trees.
Arbor (Tree Removal) Permits in Seminole County
Some RestrictionsSeminole County LDC Ch. 60 Arbor Regulations; Arbor Permit exemptions
Developed single family lots 3 acres or less with a house, exemption does not include wetland areas.
Weed Ordinances
Seminole County Code Section 95.3(b) declares "uncultivated vegetation" a nuisance, and Section 95.2 sets the trigger at growth exceeding 12 inches in height, or vegetation that is unhealthy, unsanitary, or a harboring place for mosquitoes, vermin or vectors. Gardens, trees, palms and bona fide agricultural crops and pasture are exempt, but every other property must stay under the line or face a County-ordered mowing and fines.
Seminole County's 12-Inch Weed and Grass Limit
Some RestrictionsSeminole County Code §§ 95.2, 95.3(b)
Uncultivated vegetation. All unmaintained vegetation that has grown in an uncontrolled manner to more than twelve (12) inches in height or that is liable to produce an unhealthy or unsanitary condition or becomes a harboring place for mosquitoes, vermin, or vectors. This term does not include controlled plants and gardens, trees, palms, active crops or pasture lands associated with bona fide ag...
Water Restrictions
Seminole County's Water Conservation Ordinance limits residential irrigation to two days a week by address, cuts to one day during Eastern Standard Time, and caps every zone at three-quarters of an inch of water and one hour per watering day, county code Sec. 270.255.
Seminole County's Landscape Irrigation Watering Schedule
Some RestrictionsSeminole County Code Sec. 270.255
(1)When Daylight Savings Time is in effect, landscape irrigation shall occur only in accordance with the following irrigation schedule:(a)Landscape irrigation at even numbered addresses may only occur on Thursday and Sunday and must not occur between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.(b)Landscape irrigation at odd numbered addresses or no address may only occur on Wednesday and Saturday and must not occu...
Native Plants
Florida law protects your right to use native and Florida-friendly landscaping. Under FS 373.185, a deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit a property owner from installing Florida-friendly landscaping, and Seminole County encourages drought-tolerant, native plantings.
Native and Florida-Friendly Landscaping in Seminole County
Some RestrictionsFS 373.185(3)(b)
A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.
Artificial Turf
Seminole County Code Section 95.26(c) lists artificial turf or sod as acceptable landscaping for foreclosed and abandoned properties registered under the County's Vacant Property Program, alongside grass, ground cover, bushes, shrubs, hedges, and decorative rock or bark. The mortgagee or owner must still water, mow, and remove yard waste to keep the lot from looking abandoned.
Seminole County Permits Artificial Turf on Vacant Lots
Few RestrictionsSeminole County Code § 95.26(c)
Sec. 95.26. - Maintenance requirements. ... (c) Front, side, and rear yard landscaping shall be maintained in accordance with the County's regulations and standards at the time registration was required. Landscaping shall include, but is not limited to: grass; ground cover; bushes; shrubs; hedges or similar plantings; decorative rock or bark; or artificial turf/sod. Maintenance shall include, b...
All Seminole County ordinances
See every category we cover for Seminole County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Seminole County Ordinance Hub →