Seminole County, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State protection
- FS 373.185
- HOA/covenant
- Cannot ban Florida-friendly landscaping
- County stance
- Encourages native, drought-tolerant plants
- Program
- UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping
- Goal
- Water conservation, less runoff
Summary
Florida law protects your right to use native and Florida-friendly landscaping. Under FS 373.185, a deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit a property owner from installing Florida-friendly landscaping, and Seminole County encourages drought-tolerant, native plantings.
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.
Full Breakdown
Florida Statute 373.185 establishes that Florida-friendly landscaping, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, native and adapted plants designed to conserve water and reduce runoff, cannot be forbidden by deed restrictions or HOA covenants. Seminole County and the St. Johns River Water Management District promote native and Florida-friendly plantings and the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping program. County landscape and buffer standards in the Land Development Code encourage native, drought-tolerant species for required plantings in the unincorporated area. Note that FS 373.185 limits HOA and covenant restrictions but still allows reasonable community standards, so coordinate designs with your association where one exists.
Violations & Fines
No county penalty for choosing native plants. An HOA that tries to bar Florida-friendly landscaping outright runs against FS 373.185.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force a turf-grass lawn?
Does the county require native plants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seminole County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Seminole County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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