Working Within HOA Restrictions to Convert Lawns to Florida Friendly Landscapes
Lloyd Singleton Stephen Turnipseed
UF/IFAS Extension
The Villages – A High-density Development
UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
Policies
• No changes should be make to the home or homesite without approval
• Approvals are obtained from the ARC (Architectural Review Committee) Similar to an HOA Board
• Complete Form and attach site plan; No cost to apply; Reviewed weekly
UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
Florida Statute 373.185 states: A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land. (Effective 7/1/09)
The Villages - External Deed Restriction Standards:
“Florida-Friendly Landscaping is permitted as a substitute for sod…” The Villages - Amendment to Declarations of Restrictions:
“Owners are encouraged to and may add or replace landscape that is more water conservative and drought tolerant than originally provided…”
• Do Not obstruct the drainage
• No structures in the setback area
• Max height of raised beds 18”
• No Fences; Formal hedges shall be max 4 feet high
• No all-rock landscape
• Arborist approval required for removal of trees with trunk >4 inches diameter
• Groundcover plant material shall achieve continuous coverage within 14 months and maintained less than 12 inches to achieve a “lawn-like appearance”
• Note: No percentage requirement for grass or groundcover
The Villages HOA Landscape Rules and Restrictions
Lawns to FFL Native Plant Landscapes
Example Landscape Conversions within The Villages
Builder Installed 90% Turfgrass Landscape
UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
East Side – 3 years After Conversion
UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
9
Approved for 100% Grass Removal!
UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
UF / IFAS Extension 10
Grass Removed – Natives Planted – Dripline Installation
Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
UF / IFAS Extension 11
Grass Removed – Natives Planted – 1 year later
Lawns to Native Plants: Getting Results
Another Landscape Converted to Native Plants in The Villages (1 year after planting)
UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
A New Landscape Conversion
Thank You
UF / IFAS Extension Working within HOA Restrictions to create FFLs
An ARC-Approved Zero-turfgrass Florida-Friendly native-plant landscape within The Villages