Miami Gardens, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State Protection
- FL §163.3205. Florida-friendly landscaping
- HOA Restrictions
- Limited by state law
- County Code
- Miami-Dade Ch. 18A landscaping standards
- Water Savings
- Encouraged by SFWMD
- Resources
- UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Summary
Florida Statute 163.3205 protects homeowners' right to use Florida-friendly landscaping, including native plants, and prohibits local governments and HOAs from requiring specific grass types or banning drought-tolerant alternatives. Miami-Dade County's landscaping ordinance (Chapter 18A) sets minimum standards that encourage native and adaptive plant species.
F.S. 163.3205 Solar facility approval process. (1) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage renewable solar electrical generation throughout this state. It is essential that solar facilities and associated electric infrastructure be constructed and maintained in various locations throughout this state in order to ensure the availability of renewable energy production, which is critical to this state's energy and economic future. (2) As used in this section, the term "solar facility" means a production facility for electric power which: (a) Uses photovoltaic modules to convert solar energy to electricity that may be stored on site, delivered to a transmission system, and consumed primarily offsite. [...] (3) A solar facility shall be a permitted use in all agricultural land use categories in a local government comprehensive plan and all agricultural zoning districts within an unincorporated area and must comply with the setback and landscaped buffer area criteria for other similar uses in the agricultural district. (4) A county may adopt an ordinance specifying buffer and landscaping requirements for solar facilities. Such requirements may not exceed the requirements for similar uses involving the construction of other facilities that are permitted uses in agricultural land use categories and zoning districts.
Full Breakdown
Florida Statute 163.3205 prohibits local governments and HOAs from preventing homeowners from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping that meets University of Florida/IFAS guidelines. This includes using native plants, xeriscaping, and drought-tolerant species. Miami-Dade County Landscaping Ordinance (Chapter 18A) sets minimum landscape standards for development that encourage the use of native and adaptive plant species. The county's landscape regulations require that irrigation systems operate only during permitted hours and days under Chapter 32 (Water and Sewer). Miami Gardens does not have additional native plant requirements beyond county and state standards.
Violations & Fines
No violations can be issued for installing compliant Florida-friendly landscaping. HOAs that restrict native plantings may be in violation of state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Miami Gardens?
Can my HOA require me to keep a traditional lawn?
Are there incentives for native landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami Gardens
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami Gardens to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle native plants.