Pinellas County, FL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Tier 1 species
- Planting prohibited countywide
- Tier 1 removal trigger
- Site development or renovation
- Residential exemption
- Districts RA-R-5, existing homes
Summary
Unincorporated Pinellas County bans planting Tier 1 nuisance and invasive plant species and requires their removal during site development, redevelopment, or new construction.
Tier 1 species shall not be planted in Pinellas County, and existing species shall be removed as part of site development, building renovation and/or new construction to the greatest extent practicable as determined by county staff. Properties with existing single-family detached, single-family attached, three-family, and/or two-family dwellings in residential districts RA—R-5 are exempt from this requirement.b.Tier 2 species may be planted in Pinellas County and existing species may remain but will not be credited towards landscaping requirements. (Ord. No. 26-2, § 2, 1-20-26)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124).
Full Breakdown
The county Land Development Code maintains a nuisance and invasive species list, split into Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 species may not be planted anywhere in the county, and any existing Tier 1 plants must be removed as part of site development, building renovation, or new construction to the greatest extent practicable, as determined by county staff. Existing single-family, two-family, and three-family residential lots in districts RA through R-5 are exempt from the mandatory removal requirement. Tier 2 species may still be planted but earn no credit toward landscaping requirements.
Violations & Fines
Planting a Tier 1 species, or failing to remove existing Tier 1 plants during a covered development or renovation project, is a Land Development Code violation enforced by county building and development review staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a Tier 1 invasive species in unincorporated Pinellas County?
Do I have to remove existing invasive plants on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida invasive plant rules overview
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