Tampa, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Tampa's landscape framework is anchored by Florida Statutes §373.185 (Xeriscape / Florida-Friendly Landscaping Act), which preempts local governments from passing ordinances that prohibit Florida-Friendly landscaping defined as the nine FFL 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). Within Tampa, Chapter 17.5 (Tree Protection) and Chapter 13 of the Land Development Code require preservation or replacement of grand trees and protected species including live oak, longleaf pine, bald cypress, cabbage palm (state tree), and mangroves (FL §403.9321-9333 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act). Tree removal permits are issued through the City Arborist in the Planning & Development Department. For homeowners, converting turf to native beds or pollinator gardens is expressly allowed and protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statutes §720.3075(4), which was strengthened in 2023 to clarify that HOAs may adopt reasonable aesthetic standards but cannot require high-water-use turf grass or prohibit the FFL principles. Invasive species removal is encouraged and occasionally subsidized; Brazilian pepper, air potato, Chinese tallow, and cogongrass are listed as prohibited invasives under FL Dept. of Agriculture rules. UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension provides free landscape consultations and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping certification program.