Polk County, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Native tree minimum
- 60% of required trees
- Standard
- Florida-friendly landscaping
- Invasive species
- Class 1 and 2 banned
- Plant quality
- Florida Grade No. 1 minimum
- Applies to
- New development
Summary
Polk County's Land Development Code requires new non-residential and multifamily development to use water-efficient, Florida-friendly landscaping, with native trees making up at least 60% of required trees. Invasive Category 1 and 2 species are banned from required plantings.
Native trees shall comprise at least 60 percent of all required trees within the landscape areas of the site. In no case shall Class 1 or Class 2 invasive species, as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, be used to comply with proper plant selection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 109 | Land Development Code: Supplement 12).
Full Breakdown
Section 720.E of the Polk County LDC adopts Florida-friendly landscape and irrigation principles right plant, right place to reduce irrigation, fertilizer and maintenance. Required plants must be adapted to on-site soil and light conditions, grouped by water-use zone, and at least Florida Grade No. 1. Native trees must comprise at least 60% of all required trees in a site's landscape areas. Class 1 and Class 2 invasive species (per the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council) may not be used to meet requirements. These rules apply to new development, not to existing single-family homes, though Florida-friendly landscaping is encouraged everywhere.
Violations & Fines
Landscape plans that fail these standards will not pass Level 2 site-plan review; non-compliant installed landscaping must be corrected to approved plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Polk County require native plants in my yard?
Can I plant any tree to meet the requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Polk County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Polk County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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