Miami-Dade County, FL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Species banned
- ~60 named exotic pest plants
- Scope
- Countywide, all 34 municipalities
- Removal trigger
- Required before development/redevelopment
- Variance decision
- Within 30 days of request
- Enforcing agency
- DERM (environmental resources)
Summary
Miami-Dade County bans the sale, propagation, planting, importation and transportation of about 60 listed invasive exotic species countywide, and requires removal from development sites before construction begins.
Additionally, the following exotic pest plant and nuisance species...may not be sold, propagated or planted anywhere in Miami-Dade County. If present on a development or redevelopment site, they shall be removed prior to development or redevelopment, and their sale, propagation, planting, importation or transportation shall be prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Miami-Dade County section 24-49.9, roughly 60 named exotic pest and nuisance plant species, from Brazilian pepper and melaleuca to air potato and kudzu, may not be sold, propagated, planted, imported or transported anywhere in the county, including inside the 34 municipalities. Any of these plants found on a development or redevelopment site must be removed before construction proceeds. DERM administers the list and can grant a written variance, weighing proximity to environmentally sensitive land and lack of suitable alternatives, within 30 days of a complete request.
Violations & Fines
Selling, planting, propagating, importing or transporting a listed prohibited species anywhere in Miami-Dade County, or failing to remove one from a development site before construction, violates section 24-49.9 and is enforceable through the county's code enforcement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Miami or Miami Beach?
Can I keep a listed plant already in my yard?
Can I get an exception to plant a prohibited species?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida invasive plant rules overview
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