Jacksonville, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code Sec. 656.1211
- Low Water Use Zone
- Min. 30% of landscaped area
- Preservation credit
- Sec. 656.1213, full credit for existing trees
- Invasive/controlled species
- Planting prohibited
- Enforcing office
- Building Inspection Division, Landscape Section
Summary
Jacksonville's landscape code requires new landscaping to preserve existing plant communities and re-establish native species, and lets developers earn full credit toward planting requirements by keeping existing trees and understory instead of installing new stock.
(a)All landscapes shall be designed to achieve water efficiency by:(1)Preserving existing plant communities;(2)Re-establishing of native plant communities per Comprehensive Plan objectives and polices;(3)Using Florida-Friendly plant materials which are appropriate for the site conditions... Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas shall be provided. The planting of invasive plant species and controlled plant species is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Ordinance Code Sec. 656.1211(a) makes water-efficient design mandatory for landscaped areas subject to the Zoning Code, requiring preservation of existing plant communities, re-establishment of native plant communities, and Florida-Friendly, drought-tolerant species grouped by water need; at least 30 percent of the landscaped area must be a no-supplemental-water Low Water Use Zone. Sec. 656.1211(e)(2) separately bars invasive and controlled species. Sec. 656.1213 then lets a builder satisfy tree and understory requirements entirely by preserving existing native vegetation rather than planting new material, provided root zones and understory cover are protected.
Violations & Fines
Landscaping that skips these standards violates the Zoning Code; the Building Inspection Division's Landscape Section can reject the permit, and dead, damaged, or noncompliant plantings must be replaced or mitigated under Sec. 656.1206(h).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meet Jacksonville's landscaping requirement by keeping native vegetation instead of planting new trees?
Does Jacksonville require native or Florida-Friendly plants in new landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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