Florida Statute 373.185 declares Florida-friendly landscaping a matter of state policy and prohibits any deed restriction, covenant, or local ordinance from preventing property owners from installing native, drought-tolerant plant landscapes.
FS 373.185(3) preempts cities, counties, and homeowner associations from banning Florida-friendly landscaping, defined as quality landscaping that conserves water, protects the environment, and uses appropriate native species. Local governments must allow these landscapes even if they replace turf grass. The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program publishes the official approved plant list. Cities retain authority to require minimum maintenance standards and prohibit invasive species, but cannot mandate turf grass or prohibit conversion to native landscaping.
There are no penalties for installing Florida-friendly landscaping. HOAs or cities that try to enforce contrary covenants can be challenged under FS 373.185.
Martin County, FL
Under Martin County Code section 67.305, construction, repair, alteration, or demolition work on buildings, structures, roads, or projects is prohibited betw...
Martin County, FL
Martin County regulates noise under Chapter 67, Article 10 of the Code of Ordinances (Environmental Control). Section 67.305 prohibits specified noises and e...
Martin County, FL
Under Martin County Code Ch. 115 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic), no person may leave a salvage, junked, or abandoned vehicle on any road, street, alley, highwa...
Martin County, FL
Storage and parking of recreational vehicles β including boat trailers, camping trailers, travel trailers, motorized dwellings, and tent trailers β on reside...
Martin County, FL
Martin County Code section 9.90 requires that dogs in unincorporated Martin County be restrained by a leash, chain, or other similar device when off the owne...
Stuart, FL
Stuart, FL currently prohibits backyard chickens citywide under Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Animals). On May 7, 2026, the Community Redevelopment Board vot...
See how Stuart's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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