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Living Landscapes

RESOURCES

In January 2027, the Florida Native Plant Society will launch the Living Landscapes Certification Program, which replaces our long-running Landscape Awards Program. The awards honored a few standout projects each year. The new program lets every Floridian who plants for the land get recognized, from a homeowner putting in their first native bed to a city restoring a public park. Six tiers (Sprout, Pollinator, Host, Keystone, Restoration, and Champion) give participants a clear path to deepen their commitment, and each certified site displays a yard sign that shows its tier. Restoration and Champion certification require an onsite evaluation, so applicants for those tiers should contact livinglandscapes@fnps.org to get started.

Title XXVIII

Chapter 373.185


Florida-friendly Landscaping

READ THE STATUTE

NATURAL RESOURCES; CONSERVATION, RECLAMATION, AND USE  >  WATER RESOURCES  >  LOCAL FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING ORDINANCES.


Excerpt

Section 1.B.

“Florida-friendly landscaping” means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include 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, and waterfront protection. Additional components include practices such as landscape planning and design, soil analysis, the appropriate use of solid waste compost, minimizing the use of irrigation, and proper maintenance.

The Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database is an excellent tool to identify plants by name or to search for plants based on the amount of light, moisture, soil type, etc.

Our curated book lists reflect the heart of our mission: to connect people with the natural heritage of Florida. You’ll find selections on native plant gardening, sustainable landscaping, regional ecology, environmental justice, wildlife habitat creation, and Florida’s unique botanical treasures. Whether you're a longtime member or a curious newcomer, these books are a gateway to deeper understanding, appreciation, and action.

Florida has more homes in HOAs than any other state. You can still have a native front yard that fits community standards. State-recognized Florida-Friendly Landscaping and clear design make it easier. This page pulls together your options, plant guidance, and local rebates.

Bring best practices home. Discover the best methods for establishing wildflowers in your garden with resources that will help you select and find the right plant for the right place.

Search a list of invasive and non-native plants.

Bring best practices home. Discover the best methods for establishing wildflowers in your garden with resources that will help you select and find the right plant for the right place.

This site has a lot of useful information in addition to helping locate native plant nurseries.

This site offers a list of invasive species by the Florida Invasive Species Council. Plants are categorized as Category 1 or Category 2 invasives.

This list of suggested plants is provided by the North American Land Trust and provides plant substitutes for invasive species.

This site offers photos of native and invasive species by the University of Florida. Invasive plants are categorized as Federal of State Noxious Weeds or Florida Prohibited Aquatic Plants.

A blog that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Florida's wildflowers - with a bit of a focus on growing these plants in a home landscape.

Learn about which native plants are edible and, importantly, look-a-likes that are not.

This new version of the FFL Plant Guide app incorporates all the data from the FFL Butterfly Garden and Bee Garden apps as well as new, expanded plant data and features.