Indian River County, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Protection
- Fla. Stat. 373.185
- Turf mandate
- Barred
- Covers
- Ordinances and HOA deeds
- Fertilizer
- No N/P June 1–Sep 30
Summary
No Indian River County ordinance or deed restriction can force a turf lawn. Florida Statute 373.185 protects Florida-Friendly Landscaping, so homeowners may plant native, drought-tolerant beds, which also means fertilizing on the lagoon's summer schedule.
A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.
Full Breakdown
Florida law protects native and drought-tolerant landscaping outright. Statute 373.185 provides that neither a local ordinance nor a deed restriction may prohibit a property owner from implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping, so residents across Indian River County, including deed-restricted communities in Vero Beach and Sebastian, may replace grass with native species and pollinator beds suited to sandy coastal soils. Florida-Friendly practice also means fertilizing correctly: the county's fertilizer ordinance bars nitrogen and phosphorus from June 1 through September 30 and keeps fertilizer ten feet from any water body, protecting the Indian River Lagoon. Keep the planting tended, since a neglected yard can still draw a nuisance notice.
Violations & Fines
None for native planting itself. A neglected, overgrown planting can still draw a Chapter 973 nuisance notice, but a tended Florida-Friendly yard is protected from enforcement by Statute 373.185.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to keep grass?
How does the fertilizer rule fit in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indian River County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Indian River County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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