Community Association and Public Outreach

The Community Association and Public Education Outreach Program is part of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program. It provides expert, science-based landscape advice and practical tips to help neighborhoods make smart choices for yards and common areas. The program supports homeowners and boards in making decisions that can save water, reduce yard work, and protect the environment, while working within existing community guidelines.

Through this effort, neighborhoods and homes that use good landscaping practices can be recognized, with special flags and certificates awarded to highlight their achievements. This program is proudly supported by the University of Florida (UF/IFAS) Extension in Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay Water.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Support for Communities

• FFL Training for HOA Boards & Committee Members
• On-Site Community Landscape Consultations
• FFL Workshops & Training for Residents
• FFL Model Documents & Legal Language for HOAs
• FFL Home Recognition & Yard Evaluations

Community Association Board Members and Managers

• Community and Property Management
• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Professional Certification

Homeowners in Community Associations

• Q. Does Florida Statute 373.185 (adopted in 2009 in Senate Bill 2080) protect my right to use Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL)?

  A. Yes. Florida law says HOAs cannot prohibit homeowners from implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping. FFL is defined as quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, fit local conditions, and are drought tolerant.

• Q. Do I still need HOA/ARC approval before I change my landscape?

  A. Yes. The law did not change the HOA approval process. If your community’s rules require ARC or HOA approval for landscaping, you must get that approval before you start work.

• Q. Can my HOA still set limits on my design even if it’s Florida-Friendly?
  A. Yes. HOAs can still enforce reasonable aesthetic and design standards. For example, an HOA can:

  • • Require pre-approval of plans
    • Set limits on how much turf can be removed
    • Specify a maximum percentage of groundcover or bedding areas
    • Set height limits, edging requirements, or plant-type lists

  These limits are allowed as long as they don’t outright ban FFL or force water-wasting practices.

• Q. So, if I want to replace turf with groundcover, can the HOA say “no”?

  A. The HOA generally cannot say “no” to Florida-Friendly options altogether, but it can set reasonable parameters. For example, the HOA could allow turf reduction but cap groundcover or bedding at a certain percentage of the yard, or require a mix of plants and turf to keep a consistent look.

• Q. What counts as Florida-Friendly?

  FFL includes both native and non-native plants, and it can include turfgrass, as long as plants and turf match site conditions (sun, soil, water) and follow the nine FFL principles.

• Q. Who settles a disagreement about whether my plan is truly FFL?

  A. There is no state enforcement agency for FFL. Disputes are handled between the homeowner and the HOA. UF/IFAS Extension can provide education and technical information, but it does not take sides in HOA disputes.