Doral, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

The City of Doral's Land Development Code includes landscaping requirements that encourage the use of native and drought-tolerant plant species. New development and major renovations must meet minimum landscaping standards including tree canopy coverage, shrub plantings, and ground cover requirements. The city encourages the use of South Florida native species such as live oak, gumbo limbo, green buttonwood, silver buttonwood, sabal palm, and native understory plants adapted to the local climate. Florida Statute 373.185 (Florida-Friendly Landscaping) protects homeowners' rights to install water-efficient landscaping, and HOAs cannot prohibit Florida-Friendly landscapes that comply with the South Florida Water Management District's guidelines. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping program promotes nine principles: right plant, right place; water efficiently; fertilize appropriately; mulch; attract wildlife; manage pests responsibly; recycle yard waste; reduce stormwater runoff; and protect the waterfront. Invasive plant species listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) should not be planted and may be required to be removed during development review.