Jacksonville encourages native and Florida-Friendly landscaping through Jax Ord. Code Ch. 656, Part 12 (Landscape and Tree Protection Regulations) and state law F.S. §373.185. Properties adjacent to water bodies must maintain at least a 6-foot zone of landscaping or ground cover that does not require intensive fertilizer, watering, or mowing. HOAs cannot prohibit Florida-Friendly Landscaping under state statute. The city's fertilizer ordinance (§366.601) further supports low-impact landscaping.
Jacksonville's landscaping regulations increasingly support native plant gardens and xeriscape (low-water) landscaping as alternatives to traditional turf lawns. Florida state law may protect homeowners' rights to install native plant or drought-tolerant landscaping even when HOA covenants require conventional lawns. Native plant gardens must still comply with visibility requirements (clear sight triangles at intersections), maximum vegetation height in front yards (typically 24–36 inches for grasses), and weed control requirements. State-listed noxious weeds must be removed regardless of "natural landscaping" designations. The water management districts regulate usage context in Southeast supports water-wise landscaping incentives. Some water utilities offer turf replacement rebates of $1–$3 per square foot.
Noxious weed violations: $50–$200 per notice. Sight triangle obstructions: $75–$150 fine. HOA enforcement of anti-native-plant rules may be limited by state law.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and Florida Statute 553.883 for smoke alarms, requiring units inside every sleeping ...
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue enforces NFPA 58 and International Fire Code Chapter 61 through Ordinance Code Chapter 366. Residential propane storage caps tot...
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, or yard art at single-family residences. Sign Code Ch....
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has no zoning, building, or sign-code rule specifically targeting residential inflatable holiday displays. Sign Code Ch. 656 Pt. 13 exempts seas...
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has no city ordinance specifying when residents may install or must remove holiday lights. Sign Code Ch. 656 Pt. 13 expressly exempts holiday an...
Jacksonville, FL
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Jacksonville require permits when they involve gas-line extensions, electrical work, plumbing, or roofed structures. Permits are...
See how Jacksonville's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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