New development in Santa Rosa County must use native, Florida-Friendly species and may not plant invasive exotics. Existing single-family and duplex homes are exempt from the landscape code. State law protects a homeowner's right to install Florida-Friendly landscaping despite HOA rules.
LDC sec. 4.07.01.G directs that required landscaping utilize native species as recommended by the Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) program and the University of Florida, and prohibits exotic vegetation likely to out-compete or displace natives (per the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists). No single species may exceed 50% of a site's plantings. Existing single-family or two-family residences are exempt from these landscape regulations (LDC 4.07.01.E), so homeowners choose their own plants. Statewide, FS 373.185 bars deed restrictions and HOAs from prohibiting Florida-Friendly (drought-tolerant, low-input) landscaping. The county publishes a recommended native and non-invasive plant list.
For regulated development, planting prohibited invasive exotics or failing to meet the native-species landscape plan can block site-plan approval and draw LDC code-enforcement action.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Milton, FL
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Santa Rosa County, FL
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See how Milton's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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