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Santa Rosa County, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

New development
Native/FL-Friendly required
Invasive exotics
Prohibited in required landscaping
Single-species cap
50% of site plantings
Existing homes
Exempt from landscape code
HOA override
FS 373.185 protects FL-Friendly

Summary

New development in Santa Rosa County must use native, Florida-Friendly species and may not plant invasive exotics. Existing single-family and duplex homes are exempt from the landscape code. State law protects a homeowner's right to install Florida-Friendly landscaping despite HOA rules.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Rosa County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Landscaping shall utilize native species as recommended by the Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL) program and the University of Florida. Landscaping shall not utilize any exotic vegetation which is likely to out-compete or otherwise displace native vegetation as identified in the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Lists.

View official code

Full Breakdown

LDC sec. 4.07.01.G directs that required landscaping utilize native species as recommended by the Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) program and the University of Florida, and prohibits exotic vegetation likely to out-compete or displace natives (per the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists). No single species may exceed 50% of a site's plantings. Existing single-family or two-family residences are exempt from these landscape regulations (LDC 4.07.01.E), so homeowners choose their own plants. Statewide, FS 373.185 bars deed restrictions and HOAs from prohibiting Florida-Friendly (drought-tolerant, low-input) landscaping. The county publishes a recommended native and non-invasive plant list.

Violations & Fines

For regulated development, planting prohibited invasive exotics or failing to meet the native-species landscape plan can block site-plan approval and draw LDC code-enforcement action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to plant native species at my house?
No. Existing single-family and duplex homes are exempt from the county landscape code. Native/Florida-Friendly plantings are required only for regulated new development and commercial sites.
Can my HOA ban my drought-tolerant yard?
No. Florida Statute 373.185 prevents HOAs and deed restrictions from prohibiting Florida-Friendly landscaping designed to conserve water and reduce inputs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Rosa County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Santa Rosa County rules

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