Florida §373.185 protects homeowner rights to install Florida-Friendly Landscaping using native and drought-tolerant plants. HOAs cannot ban Florida-Friendly yards in Orange County.
FL §373.185 declares Florida-Friendly Landscaping a matter of statewide policy and prohibits HOAs, CDDs, and local governments from banning its use. UF/IFAS maintains the official FFL plant list featuring Florida native species like saw palmetto, muhly grass, firebush, coontie, beautyberry, and wiregrass alongside non-invasive drought-tolerant options. Orange County's sandy soils and frequent dry spells make native plants particularly well adapted. The 2023 amendment (SB 82) further strengthened protections against HOA restrictions, requiring HOAs to permit FFL if at least 50% of landscape is FFL-compliant. Invasive species on the FDACS prohibited list (Brazilian pepper, cogongrass) are separately banned from planting.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Orange County, FL
Amplified music audible beyond property lines is prohibited between 11 PM and 7 AM under Orange County Code Chapter 15. Special event permits are required fo...
Orange County, FL
Orange County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Use is governed by the general Chapter 15 noise standards and the standard 7 AM to 7 PM construction and...
Orange County, FL
Construction in unincorporated Orange County is generally permitted Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. Sunday and federal holiday construction is pro...
Orange County, FL
Modified exhausts, loud stereos, and racing engines are prohibited under Orange County Code Chapter 15 and FL Statute 316.272. Sheriff's deputies enforce on ...
Orange County, FL
Orange County Code Chapter 38 (Zoning) generally prohibits RV and boat storage in front yards of residential zones. Side and rear yard storage permitted with...
Orange County, FL
Orange County follows FL Building Code and FL Statute 163.08 for EV charging infrastructure. New parking facilities over certain thresholds must include EV-r...
See how Orange County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.