Alachua County, FL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited species count
- 50+ listed, Table 406.16.6
- Scope
- Unincorporated county, all zoning districts
- State overlays
- F.A.C. 5B-64.011 & 5B-57.007 also apply
- Removal incentive
- No permit needed to remove invasives
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement, F.S. Ch. 162 citations
Summary
Alachua County bans planting any species on its Prohibited Non-Native Vegetation List, plus state-listed prohibited aquatic plants and noxious weeds, anywhere in the unincorporated county, under Alachua County Code § 406.12(c). The list, Table 406.16.6, names more than 50 species from mimosa and Chinese wisteria to torpedograss and camphor tree.
(c)The planting of non-native vegetation listed in F.A.C. 5B-64.011, Prohibited Aquatic Plants, and F.A.C. 5B-57.007, Noxious Weed List, or species listed in Table 406.16.6 is prohibited. The removal or control of all non-native invasive species is encouraged where not required by this Section and is not subject to a tree removal permit requirement.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
C. C. 007 Noxious Weed List. 6 names more than 50 species by Latin and common name: silktree/mimosa, camphor tree, English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese wisteria, chinaberry tree, torpedograss, elephantgrass, castorbean, Caesarweed and creeping oxeye among them. The prohibition applies countywide in unincorporated Alachua County, across all future land use and zoning districts, and sits inside the same tree-and-vegetation article that governs regulated tree removal (Article II of Chapter 406). 2. 29), which lists the presence of prohibited and invasive non-native vegetation as one of the factors used to identify and delineate protected wildlife habitat on a development site.
Violations & Fines
Planting a listed invasive species violates § 406.12(c) and, like other ULDC violations, can be referred to Alachua County Code Enforcement under Florida Statutes Chapter 162 and County Code Chapter 24 for citation, plus civil action to compel removal or restore the site, under § 409.04. The county may also withhold or revoke development permits and approvals for a property with an uncorrected violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant mimosa or Chinese wisteria on my Alachua County property?
Do I need a permit to remove invasive plants from my yard?
Where can I find the full list of banned invasive plants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alachua County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Alachua County to another location·View the Florida invasive plant rules overview
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