Does Orlando, FL have its own native plants ordinance?

No. Orlando, FL does not appear to have a local native plants ordinance, Florida state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Florida Statute 720.3075 - HOA Landscape Restrictions.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Orlando

Orlando, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

HOA Preemption: FS 720.3075 - cannot ban Florida-friendly landscaping
2023 Update: SB 544 strengthens turf replacement rights
Definition: FS 373.185 - Nine Florida-Friendly Principles
Local Program: Orlando Green Works native plant resources
Maintenance Required: Must comply with city nuisance codes

Summary

Florida actively protects homeowners right to install native and drought-tolerant landscaping. FS 720.3075 prohibits HOAs from banning Florida-friendly landscaping. Florida SB 544 (2023) further strengthened these protections by clarifying that HOAs cannot prohibit replacement of turf grass with low-water alternatives. Orlando encourages native plants through SJRWMD and Orange County Extension programs and incorporates them in city landscaping standards.

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. Homeowners' association documents, including declarations of covenants, articles of incorporation, or bylaws, may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping, as defined in s. 373.185, on his or her land.

Source: Florida Statute 720.3075 - HOA Landscape RestrictionsView official code

Full Breakdown

Florida is a national leader in protecting homeowner rights to use native and drought-tolerant landscaping. FS 720.3075(4) prohibits HOA covenants and rules from preventing implementation of Florida-friendly landscaping as defined in FS 373.185, which includes the Nine Principles such as right plant right place, water efficiently, mulch, and use Florida natives. SB 544 enacted in 2023 reinforced and clarified these protections, making clear that HOAs cannot require turf grass when homeowners install code-compliant Florida-friendly alternatives. Cities like Orlando also cannot block native plantings provided they meet basic nuisance and weed code requirements. Orlando maintains a list of recommended native plants through its Green Works initiative and offers educational resources. Removal of invasive non-natives is encouraged.

Violations & Fines

HOA refusing to allow Florida-friendly landscaping: violates FS 720.3075, homeowner can sue for damages and attorney fees. Improperly maintained native landscape: still subject to Orlando weed and nuisance codes (Ch. 43).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my HOA force me to keep St. Augustine grass?

No. Under FS 720.3075 and SB 544, HOAs cannot prohibit replacement of turf with Florida-friendly alternatives like wildflower meadows, native ground covers, or expanded planting beds, as long as your design meets the Nine Principles.

Do I need city approval to convert my lawn to natives?

Generally no for single-family residential. The city encourages native conversion. Submit a landscape plan if you are removing significant trees or converting front yards in historic districts that have specific design guidelines.

Sources & Official References

[1]Florida Statute 720.3075 - HOA Landscape Restrictions

Other rules in Orlando

Water RestrictionsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions Artificial TurfSome Restrictions CompostingLight Restrictions Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Orlando rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orlando to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview

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