Broward County, FL Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Min. turf coverage
- 35% down to 10% by lot size
- Synthetic turf
- Allowed on lots one acre or less
- Governing section
- Broward County Code § 39-85(c)(6)
- Geographic scope
- Unincorporated Broward only
- State authority
- Fla. Stat. § 125.572 DEP standards
Summary
Unincorporated Broward County requires residential lots to keep 10 to 35 percent of their area in turf or groundcover, scaled by lot size, but allows DEP-compliant synthetic turf to replace sod on lots of one acre or less.
Either turf, synthetic turf (if permitted by Section 125.572, Florida Statutes), or groundcover, or a combination thereof, shall be installed on all areas of the property not covered by buildings, paving, concrete slabs, or other impervious improvements. Synthetic turf that complies with DEP standards adopted pursuant to Section 125.572, Florida Statutes, as amended, may be installed on single family residential properties that are one (1) acre or less in size.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County Code § 39-85(c)(6) sets minimum turf or groundcover coverage for single-family and duplex lots in unincorporated Broward, sliding from 35 percent on lots under 8,000 square feet down to 10 percent on lots near an acre. Bare dirt is not allowed on disturbed soil. Homeowners can meet the requirement with groundcover instead of grass, and DEP-compliant synthetic turf under Fla. Stat. § 125.572 can replace sod entirely on lots of one acre or less. Sec. 39-75 limits the whole landscaping article to Broward's unincorporated area; Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and the county's other 27 cities set their own landscaping and turf rules.
Violations & Fines
Landscape inspectors can withhold certificate of occupancy for noncompliant installations, and Sec. 39-92 requires dead or missing turf/groundcover be replaced; ongoing noncompliance is enforced as a county code violation under Chapter 8½ Code Enforcement, with civil fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with synthetic turf in Broward County?
Does this apply if I live in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Can I leave bare dirt instead of turf?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida water use rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.