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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

South/west of US-41
100% native required
Code section
LDC Sec. 4.06.05
Required trees
Mature crown over 20 feet
Ground cover
Native encouraged
New development
Native retention required

Summary

Collier County's Land Development Code favors native plants: required landscaping on sites south and west of US-41 must be 100% native species, native ground covers are encouraged countywide, and native habitat must be retained in new development.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Collier County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Use of native grounds covers is encouraged.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).

Full Breakdown

Under Collier County LDC Section 4.06.05 (General Landscaping Requirements), all required landscaping on sites located south and west of US-41 must be 100% native species, reflecting the sensitive coastal and Gulf-front ecology near Marco Island and Naples. Required new trees must be species with an average mature crown or spread greater than 20 feet, and the code encourages use of native ground covers. Chapter 3 (Vegetation Retention) also requires new developments to preserve a percentage of existing native vegetation on site. These standards apply to permitted development and required landscape buffers; an individual homeowner is free to plant natives voluntarily and the county promotes Florida-Friendly Landscaping.

Violations & Fines

Landscape standards are enforced through site-plan and permit review; noncompliant installations can be rejected at inspection until corrected. No penalty for a homeowner voluntarily planting natives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I use native plants at my home?
The 100% native rule applies to required landscaping for development, strongest south and west of US-41. A homeowner may plant whatever they like, but the county encourages Florida-Friendly natives.
Why are native plants required near the coast?
Sites south and west of US-41 border sensitive coastal habitat, so Collier County requires 100% native landscaping there to protect the Gulf ecology and reduce irrigation and fertilizer needs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Collier County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsWater RestrictionsSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsArtificial TurfSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsCompostingLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Collier County rules

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