Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ FAQ’s

Q: What does a Florida-Friendly landscape look like?

A: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) isn’t a single look or style. It’s about matching the right plant with the right place, and providing the right care at the right time.

Every community is unique. Landscape conditions vary. Well-designed Florida-Friendly Landscapes look vibrant and attractive, while using less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Anyone can apply the 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a way that fits their community’s aesthetics and landscape goals.

Q: Is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ the same as Xeriscaping?

A: Although Xeriscaping and Florida Friendly Landscaping share certain goals, they are very different concepts designed for very different climates. Because Xeriscape was developed for arid climates that receive minimal rainfall, it is often inappropriate for our unique Florida climate, which can include extreme wet or dry conditions. Therefore, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program was designed to emphasize adaptable, site-appropriate plants, stormwater filtration, and protection of water quality, as well as water conservation.

Q: Is Florida Friendly Landscaping messy or unkempt?

A: Many people wonder whether Florida-Friendly landscaping will look “messy” or “weedy,” but well-designed & maintained Florida-Friendly Landscapes can absolutely look vibrant and attractive.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping isn’t a single look or style. The 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping can be applied to any landscape in a way that fits a community’s unique aesthetics and landscape goals. It’s about choosing the right plants for the right place and reducing the constant application of irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides. HOAs and municipalities can still require that Florida-Friendly Landscapes meet certain standards of upkeep and maintenance (if designated in local codes, ordinances, or deed restrictions). For guidance on incorporating Florida Friendly Landscaping into HOA community standards, please see: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/community_association_kit.htm