Sanford, FL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing schedule
- Sanford LDR Schedule J § 5.2
- Unacceptable plants named
- Castor Bean, Water Hyacinth, Rice Paper Plant, Lygodium, Taro, Cattails
- Unacceptable trees
- Same as Section 4.4.D exempt tree list
- Effect
- Cannot count toward required tree, shrub or hedge totals
- Reviewing office
- Planning and Development Services administrative official
Summary
The City of Sanford, Florida bars a defined list of invasive and unacceptable trees and plants from counting toward the landscaping required on any development site. Species such as Australian Pine, Brazilian Pepper, Camphor Tree, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow Tree and Water Hyacinth cannot serve as a required tree, replacement tree or required shrub under the Land Development Regulations.
The following species shall not be acceptable to meet landscape requirements of this schedule, nor shall such species be considered as a required tree, replacement tree or a required shrub: ... A.Unacceptable trees. Unacceptable trees shall be the same as exempt trees listed under paragraph D, section 4.4, above, excluding containerized trees and nursery stock trees.B.Unacceptable plants. Castor Bean Water Hyacinth Rice Paper Plant Lygodium spp. (fern) Taro or Elephant Ear Cattails
Full Breakdown
Schedule J, Section 5.2 of the Sanford Land Development Regulations declares that certain species are not acceptable to meet the landscape requirements of the schedule and cannot be counted as a required tree, replacement tree or required shrub on any site plan, subdivision plan or landscape permit reviewed by the City. Unacceptable trees are defined by cross-reference to the exempt tree list in Section 4.4.D, which names invasive and undesirable species including American Mulberry, Australian Pine, Black Cherry, Brazilian Pepper, Cajeput Tree, Camphor Tree, Cherry Laurel, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow Tree, Ear Trees, Eucalyptus Robusta, Jacaranda, Golden Rain Tree, Orchid Tree, Rosewood and Sand Pine, excluding containerized trees and nursery stock trees grown for resale.
Section 5.2.B separately lists unacceptable plants: Castor Bean, Water Hyacinth, Rice Paper Plant, Lygodium spp. (an invasive climbing fern), Taro or Elephant Ear, and Cattails. Because the exempt-tree list under Section 4.4.D also removes these species from the site development permit requirements that otherwise govern tree removal, a Sanford property owner may cut down an Australian Pine or Brazilian Pepper without the permit Section 4.1 requires for other living trees, but none of these species can be planted to satisfy Schedule J's minimum tree, shrub or hedge counts on a commercial, multifamily or subdivision landscape plan reviewed by Planning and Development Services.
Violations & Fines
The Land Development Regulations do not fine a homeowner for having an unacceptable species already growing on a lot, but a landscape plan that relies on Castor Bean, Water Hyacinth, Lygodium fern, Cattails or any Section 4.4.D exempt species to satisfy required tree, shrub or hedge counts will be rejected by the administrative official during site plan or subdivision review under Schedule J.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sanford ban planting Brazilian Pepper on private property?
What plants can't count toward Sanford's landscaping requirements?
Do I need a permit to remove an invasive tree in Sanford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sanford
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sanford to another location·View the Florida invasive plant rules overview
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