Florida Statute 373.185 protects Safety Harbor homeowners' right to install Florida-friendly and native plant landscapes. HOAs and deed restrictions cannot prohibit these landscapes, though reasonable design standards may apply.
Safety Harbor incorporates Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) principles in its land development standards and recognizes the statewide protections in Florida Statute 373.185. The statute defines FFL as quality landscapes that conserve water, are drought tolerant, and adapt to local conditions using right-plant-right-place selection, efficient irrigation, mulching, wildlife support, and stormwater reduction. Native species such as live oak, sabal palm, beautyberry, muhly grass, and coontie are encouraged. A deed restriction or HOA covenant may not prohibit a homeowner from implementing FFL on their property. The city still enforces minimum maintenance, weed-height, and street-visibility standards regardless of plant choice.
If FFL or native landscaping is unmaintained and triggers the 12-inch nuisance rule or visibility issues at intersections, code enforcement may act despite the statutory protection of FFL design.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle native plants.
See how Safety Harbor's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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