In the last 15 years or so, the state of Florida has placed an increased emphasis on green landscaping practices for all Floridian landscapes, including commercial. If you’re thinking about hiring a commercial landscaper or want to tackle a project yourself, here are just a few laws to be aware of as you get started:

 

Understanding Environmental Laws Around Florida-Friendly Landscaping

 

HOA Codes

In 2009, the state of Florida adopted Statute 373.185, which prohibits HOAs and local governments from blocking Florida-Friendly Landscaping, or “quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant.”

The Statute’s main principles include the following:

• Planting the right plant in the right place
• Efficient watering 
• Appropriate fertilization
• Mulching
• Attraction of wildlife
• Responsible management of yard pests
• Recycling yard waste
• Reduction of stormwater runoff
• Waterfront protection

To honor these values, practices are implemented, such as landscape planning and design, soil analysis, appropriate usage of solid waste compost, minimizing irrigation, and correct maintenance. 

The law not only prohibits HOAs and local government from preventing Florida-Friendly practices, it requires them to aid in the conservation and restructuring process.

Landscaping Irrigation & Design Standards

Florida Statute 373.228 requires the inherent design of a commercial landscape to benefit water conservation efforts:

“It is the intent of the Legislature to improve landscape irrigation water use efficiency by ensuring that landscape irrigation systems meet or exceed minimum design criteria,” says the statute.

The 2024 law required Florida’s water management districts to work with the following major institutions to develop landscape irrigation systems around the new Florida-friendly standards, building model guidelines for new urban, commercial, and residential construction:

• Florida Nursery
• Growers and Landscape Association
• Florida Native Plant Society
• Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects
• Florida Irrigation Society
• Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Department of Transportation
• Florida League of Cities
• Florida Association of Counties
• Florida Association of Community Developers

Fertilizer Applicators

There are a few laws that surround fertilizer, or anything with plant nutrients to support plant growth and enrichment. For example, in Florida, law requires all fertilizer labels to provide the following information:

• Brand and grade
• Manufacturer’s name and address
• Guaranteed analysis
  • Sources for primary and secondary nutrients
• Net weight

According to Florida Statutes 482.1562 and 403.9338 passed in 2009, anyone who applies fertilizer to a commercial landscape must be certified through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This process begins with training from the University of Florida’s Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) and a certification of completion UF/IFAS and Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

For more information or to get started with GI-BMP training, visit the GI-BMP Training Site.

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