Pinellas County, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum native share
- 60 percent of plant material
- Species diversity
- 1 extra species per 10 trees
- Applies to
- Required landscaping only
Summary
Unincorporated Pinellas County requires at least 60 percent of the plant material used to satisfy landscaping requirements on new development to be native varieties.
(a)Species selection.(1)Any plant material used to meet the minimum standards of this division shall be consistent with species requirements listed in Section 138-3664.(2)At least 60 percent of the plant material shall be native varieties.(3)For every ten landscape trees provided, one additional species is required to promote species diversity. Each species should make up at least ten percent of the total number of landscape trees.(4)Drought, wind, and disease-tolerant species are encouraged.(b)Specification requirements.(1)All plant material shall be graded State Department of Agriculture Nursery Grade No. 1 or better, as specified by the State Division of Plant Industry Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants manual published by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.(2)Plants shall meet the minimum specifications as listed in Table 138-3655.a—Plant Specification Requirements at the time of inspection.(3)The plant material specifications may be further defined in special districts.(4)In the event of a market shortage, the county administrator or designee may approve a reduction of the required plant material specifications as provided in Chapter 138, Article II, Division 7 - Variances, Waivers and Administrative Adjustments. Table 138-3655.a — Plant Specification Requirements Plant Size (at Inspection) Requirements Landscape Tree ■ 1.5" DBH per stem (2" caliper)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124).
Full Breakdown
When a project must meet the county's minimum landscaping standards, at least 60 percent of the required plant material must be native species, and the material must otherwise meet the species requirements of the code's approved species list. Projects planting ten or more landscape trees must include one additional species per ten trees for diversity, with each species making up at least ten percent of the total tree count. Drought, wind, and disease-tolerant species are encouraged but not required.
Violations & Fines
Landscape plans failing the 60 percent native threshold are rejected during site plan review, and installed landscaping that doesn't meet the standard must be replaced before a certificate of occupancy or final inspection is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What share of required landscaping must be native plants in unincorporated Pinellas County?
Does this rule apply to all plants on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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