Coral Gables, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Native species minimum
- 30% of trees and shrubs
- Governing provision
- Zoning Code Article 6, § 6-103
- Reviewing agency
- Public Works Landscape Services Division
- Triggers
- New construction or qualifying redevelopment
Summary
Coral Gables requires at least 30 percent of the trees and shrubs on any permitted landscaping job to be native species, under the Zoning Code's Article 6 landscape standards enforced by Public Works Landscape Services.
A minimum of thirty (30%) percent of the total trees shall be native species. ... A minimum of thirty (30%) percent of total shrubs shall be native species.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Zoning Code § 6-103 sets minimum plant standards for any site needing a building permit for new construction or qualifying redevelopment. Large shade trees, palm/medium trees, and shrubs alike must each be at least 30 percent native species. The same section bars irrigation inside native plant communities and natural forest communities except temporary systems to establish new plantings, which must be disconnected once the planting is established. The Public Works Landscape Services Division reviews landscape plans, approves any substitutions, and signs off on exceptions to minimum planting sizes before permits issue, across SFR, multifamily, and mixed-use zoning districts.
Violations & Fines
Landscape plans that fall short of the 30% native species minimum are rejected by Public Works Landscape Services before a permit issues; installed plant material that fails to meet the standard must be replaced with code-conforming material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Coral Gables require native plants in landscaping?
Can I irrigate a native plant community on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Coral Gables to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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