Florida law (FL Statute Section 373.185) protects homeowners' right to install Florida-Friendly landscaping and prohibits HOAs and local governments from requiring traditional turf lawns. Hialeah residents can replace grass with native South Florida plants, xeriscaping, and drought-tolerant species. The South Florida Water Management District offers rebates for water-efficient landscaping.
FL Statute Section 373.185 establishes the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program and prohibits counties, municipalities, and HOAs from adopting ordinances or rules that prohibit Florida-Friendly landscaping on residential property. Native South Florida species encouraged include sabal palm, sea grape, gumbo limbo, coontie, firebush, and muhly grass. These species are adapted to the subtropical climate and require less irrigation than traditional turf. The South Florida Water Management District promotes native landscaping through educational programs and may offer rebates for converting turf to water-efficient landscaping. Hialeah's Land Development Code requires minimum landscaping for new development and may specify the inclusion of native species in buffers and common areas. Native plant landscaping helps manage stormwater on the city's flat terrain.
No penalties for choosing native plants. HOAs that prohibit Florida-Friendly landscaping violate FL Statute Section 373.185. Landscaping must still be maintained to avoid weed and property maintenance violations. Contact Code Compliance at (305) 556-8380 for maintenance standards.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade Code §33-124.1 for commercial-vehicle parking in residential zones: Cat. 1 (taxis/marked vans under 8 ft): max 2 per home; Cat. 2 ...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah driveways follow county standards: 20 feet minimum for two-way, 14 feet for one-way. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or rights-of-way.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah allows chain link, concrete block, wood, and aluminum per Section 33-11. All must meet HVHZ wind standards. Concrete block most common in South Florida.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah requires building permits for retaining walls per the Florida Building Code. Walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans. All retaining wall...
Hialeah, FL
Dogs in Hialeah must be leashed off private property under Miami-Dade Section 5-20. Unsterilized: $150 fine. Sterilized: $50. Off-leash in designated parks o...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and NFPA 72 for smoke alarms. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleepin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle native plants.
See how Hialeah's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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