North Miami, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- F.S. 373.185 (FFL protected)
- HOA
- Cannot prohibit Florida-Friendly Landscaping
- Fertilizer Ban
- Restricted June 1 - September 30
- Recommended Species
- Sea grape, gumbo limbo, sabal palm
- Community Dev.
- (305) 895-9825
Summary
North Miami encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles and native plant use. Florida law (F.S. 373.185) prohibits local governments and HOAs from banning Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices. The city promotes native and drought-tolerant plant species as part of its water conservation and Biscayne Bay protection efforts.
Each water management district shall also work with the department, local governments, county extension agents or offices, nursery and landscape industry groups, and other interested stakeholders to promote, through educational programs, publications, and other district activities authorized under this chapter, the use of Florida-friendly landscaping practices, including the use of solid waste compost, in residential and commercial development. In conducting these activities, each district shall use the materials developed by the department, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida, and the Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, including, but not limited to, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program for homeowners, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Builder Developer Program for developers, and the Green Industries Best Management Practices Program for landscaping professionals. Each district may develop supplemental materials as appropriate to address the physical and natural characteristics of the district. The districts shall coordinate with the department and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida if revisions to the educational materials are needed. (a)  The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state’s water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners’ associations and local governments is essential to the state’s efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restoration. (b)  A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land or create any requirement or limitation in conflict with any provision of part II of this chapter or a water shortage order, other order, consumptive use permit, or rule adopted or issued pursuant to part II of this chapter. (c)  A local government ordinance may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.
Full Breakdown
North Miami supports native plant use and Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) as defined by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension program. 185 prohibits local governments, including North Miami, and HOAs from enacting or enforcing any ordinance or rule that prohibits Florida-Friendly Landscaping on residential properties. FFL principles include using the right plant in the right place, efficient irrigation, appropriate fertilization, mulching, minimal pesticide use, recycling yard waste, and reducing stormwater runoff. North Miami's location along Biscayne Bay makes native and low-maintenance landscaping particularly important for water quality protection.
Native plant species recommended for North Miami include sea grape, gumbo limbo, live oak, sabal palmetto, coontie, and muhly grass. The city's landscaping code requires minimum tree canopy coverage for new development and encourages preservation of existing native vegetation. Miami-Dade County's fertilizer ordinance restricts nitrogen and phosphorus application during the rainy season (June 1 to September 30) to protect Biscayne Bay, which applies within North Miami. The South Florida Water Management District offers rebates and resources for converting turf to native landscapes.
Violations & Fines
Florida-Friendly Landscaping is protected by state law and cannot be penalized. However, properties must be maintained to avoid overgrowth that constitutes a nuisance. Failure to comply with fertilizer restrictions may result in county-level fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in North Miami?
Can my HOA require a specific grass lawn in North Miami?
Are there fertilizer restrictions in North Miami?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare North Miami 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.