Sarasota County, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Sarasota County Code § 54-723(a) prohibits, seaward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL) and waterward of the Barrier Island Pass Twenty-Year Hazard Line (PHL), "the installation of nonnative plants and landscape boulders in or on a Beach, Dune System or Coastal Hammock habitat," as well as any "alteration or removal of Native Plants" in a Dune System or Coastal Hammock habitat. and was not introduced from elsewhere. The article does carve out limited exceptions in § 54-723(g): restoration projects using Native Plants and beach-compatible sand fill are allowed if plants match the habitat zone being restored, coconut palms may be planted landward of the dune system, and maintenance of already-authorized landscaped areas may continue, though that maintenance exception never authorizes altering or removing native Coastal Hammock or Dune System overstory vegetation.

Removing dead native trees that pose a public safety risk is also exempted under § 54-723(g)(13) when County staff confirms the hazard. Beyond the barrier islands, § 54-590(2)(b) separately requires any road the Board designates as a Canopy Road to be composed of a minimum of 75 percent Native Plant and Naturalized Plant species. Enforcement of the coastal provisions runs through the County Administrator or designee under § 54-723(b), and violations of the written conditioned exception process can result in denial, modification or revocation of the authorization.