Coral Gables, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

The City of Coral Gables supports native plant landscaping through its development standards and the state's Florida-Friendly Landscaping framework. For new development and significant landscape modifications requiring permits, the city's landscape standards require a minimum of 50% of all required canopy trees and accent trees and a minimum of 30% of all required shrubs and groundcovers (excluding turf grass areas) to be Florida native species. These requirements align with the South Florida Water Management District's WaterWise landscape guidelines. Coral Gables' protected tree canopy under Chapter 82 (Vegetation) strongly favors retention of existing native species including live oaks, banyans, royal palms, gumbo limbo, and other South Florida natives. The city's landscape permit process through Public Works requires submission of planting plans identifying species for both new plantings and replacement trees. Native plants are preferred for their drought tolerance, reduced irrigation needs, and habitat value in the South Florida ecosystem.