Jacksonville, FL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Under the Florida-Friendly Landscape and Irrigation design standards, the Building Inspection Division's Landscape Section enforces a flat ban: "The planting of invasive plant species and controlled plant species is prohibited" in any landscaping installed to meet Chapter 656's requirements. This applies to new landscapes and irrigation systems for public and private development citywide, including industrial, commercial, multi-family and single-family projects platted after April 4, 2011, plus qualifying renovations and expansions of existing sites. The Code doesn't print its own prohibited-species list; it points applicants to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office and the City's own Landscape Section for which plants count as prohibited, invasive, exotic or controlled. Separately, Sec. 656.1205(b)(8) names Pond Willow, Chinese Tallow, Paper Mulberry, Chinaberry, Camphor, Wax Myrtle, Golden Raintree and Cherry Laurel as nuisance/invasive tree species exempt from the City's protected-tree removal permit.