Clearwater, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Florida-friendly landscaping protected under FS 373.185
- Limit
- Pinellas County FLIP rebate up to 50%
- Vegetation
- Native plants reduce irrigation needs
- Signage
- HOAs cannot prohibit Florida-friendly designs
- Rule
- FDACS-listed invasive species are prohibited
Summary
Clearwater encourages Florida-friendly landscaping with native plant species that conserve water and support pollinators, and Florida Statute 373.185 prohibits both city ordinances and HOA covenants from blocking property owners from installing such landscapes.
(a)  The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state’s water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners’ associations and local governments is essential to the state’s efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restoration. (b)  A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land or create any requirement or limitation in conflict with any provision of part II of this chapter or a water shortage order, other order, consumptive use permit, or rule adopted or issued pursuant to part II of this chapter. (c)  A local government ordinance may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.
Full Breakdown
The City of Clearwater promotes Florida-friendly landscaping through educational outreach and the Pinellas County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Incentive Program (FLIP), which offers rebates up to 50 percent for replacing irrigated turf with water-conserving plantings. Florida Statute 373.185 defines Florida-friendly landscaping as quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, and are drought-tolerant, applying right-plant-right-place principles. The statute expressly prohibits any local ordinance or deed restriction from preventing implementation of Florida-friendly landscaping. Community Development Code landscape requirements for new development encourage native species selection, though established turf areas remain permissible if maintained.
Violations & Fines
Few direct violations apply; non-native invasive species listed by FDACS are prohibited and must be removed when identified during code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Clearwater?
Can my HOA require me to keep grass instead of natives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clearwater
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Clearwater to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle native plants.