Broward County, FL Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- unincorporated Broward County only
- Property limit
- single-family, 1 acre or less
- Standard required
- FDEP synthetic turf rules
- State law basis
- Section 125.572, Florida Statutes
Summary
Unincorporated Broward lets single-family homeowners on one acre or less install synthetic turf that meets state DEP standards, under the county's landscaping code.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the installation of synthetic turf that complies with Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") standards adopted pursuant to Section 125.572, Florida Statutes, as amended, on single family residential properties that are one (1) acre or less in size.
Hardscape: Areas such as patios, decks, driveways, paths, and sidewalks that do not require irrigation.
Heat island; heat island effect: The term "heat island" describes built or paved areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas due to human activities. The term "heat island effect" refers to an effect heat islands can have on communities by affecting water quality and increasing summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and heat-related illness and mortality.
Hedge: A row of evenly spaced shrubs or other vegetation planted to form a dense, continuous, unbroken visual screen.
Hydrozone: A distinct grouping of plants with similar water needs and climatic and microclimatic requirements. Also referred to as water use zone.
Infiltration rate: The rate of water entry into the soil, expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County's landscaping-for-water-quality ordinance (Chapter 39, Article VIII) defines "groundcover" and carves out synthetic turf: the code will not be read to prohibit installing synthetic turf that meets Florida Department of Environmental Protection standards under Section 125.572, Florida Statutes, on single-family residential properties of one acre or less. The article itself applies only in the unincorporated area. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and Broward's other 27 cities set their own landscaping rules.
Violations & Fines
The clause is permissive, not a penalty provision: it protects compliant turf from being treated as a prohibited groundcover. Turf must meet FDEP standards under Section 125.572, Florida Statutes, and the property must be single-family and one acre or less to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put artificial turf on my lawn in unincorporated Broward County?
Does this rule apply in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
How Broward County compares: Most Artificial Turf-Friendly Cities·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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