Miami Beach, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Chapter 126 of the Miami Beach Code governs landscaping requirements including species selection for new development and significant renovations. The ordinance references the Miami-Dade County Landscape Manual for approved plant species and installation standards. Miami Beach promotes Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles that emphasize native, drought-tolerant, and salt-tolerant plant species appropriate for the barrier island's unique coastal environment. Landscape plans submitted for building permits must include species selections that comply with the city's standards. The city's sustainability and resilience initiatives encourage native plantings that reduce irrigation demand, manage stormwater runoff, and withstand the barrier island's salt air, high water table, and hurricane conditions. Invasive exotic species listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council list are prohibited in new plantings. The Environment and Sustainability Department oversees urban forestry and landscape compliance. The city's fertilizer ordinance (applied June 1 through November 1 prohibition) works in conjunction with native plant requirements to protect water quality.