Florida Statute §373.185 (Florida-Friendly Landscaping Act) preempts HOA and local-government bans on Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL). Sarasota homeowners and HOA-restricted properties can install native, drought-tolerant landscapes without HOA approval, subject only to neutral aesthetic standards.
F.S. §373.185 declares that 'the use of Florida-friendly landscaping ... is a matter of compelling state interest' and prohibits local governments and HOAs from preventing FFL. Florida-Friendly Landscaping is defined by the University of Florida IFAS 'nine principles': right plant right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, mulch, attract wildlife, manage yard pests responsibly, recycle yard waste, reduce stormwater runoff, and protect the waterfront. HOAs can enforce aesthetic and uniformity standards but cannot prohibit FFL outright. Sarasota's Sustainability and Resilience office promotes FFL alongside SWFWMD water restrictions.
HOAs that violate F.S. §373.185 can face civil action by homeowners with attorney-fee shifting under F.S. §720.305. The City does not enforce HOA-FFL conflicts directly - they are private civil matters - but City Code Compliance will not cite an FFL landscape on the basis of being FFL.
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