Tampa, FL Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Tampa City Code Chapter 19 Property Maintenance, along with Chapter 17 Public Nuisances, addresses overgrown vegetation and lawn maintenance. In developed residential and commercial areas, grass, weeds, and similar vegetation generally cannot exceed 12 inches in height on improved lots. Noxious weeds, poison ivy, and vegetation harboring vermin or creating fire hazards can be cited regardless of height. Larger undeveloped or wooded lots have different standards, and native landscaping designed under Florida-friendly principles may be exempt if maintained with defined borders, pathways, and absence of invasive species. Tampa actively promotes Florida-friendly landscaping under the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Act codified at Florida Statute 373.185, which preempts HOAs from requiring traditional turf or banning drought-tolerant native plants. This means homeowners can replace St. Augustine grass with native wildflower meadows, groundcovers, and shrubs, and neither the city nor an HOA can force them to maintain turf, so long as the landscaping is intentional and maintained. Routine enforcement starts with a courtesy notice from Code Enforcement, followed by a Notice of Violation giving the owner 7 to 14 days to mow. If the owner does not comply, the city can contract for mowing and place a special assessment or lien on the property to recover costs plus administrative fees. Repeat violations can escalate to civil citations with fines. Vacant lots and bank-owned properties are frequent targets of enforcement. Residents can report overgrown properties to Tampa Code Enforcement at 813-274-5545 or through the online complaint form, and the city posts action updates on the Code Enforcement portal.