Florida-Friendly Landscape Recognition

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program recognizes landscapes that use sustainable landscaping practices. Florida-Friendly landscapes minimize the use of potable water for irrigation, avoid the runoff of excess fertilizers and pesticides from the landscape, and provide habitats for wildlife. They can take any form, from more traditional to more natural. It's how the  landscape is designed and maintained that ultimately determines if it's Florida-Friendly. 

Recognitions are offered for three different categories of landscapes: Home, Commercial, and New Construction. Landscapes are evaluated based on a checklist of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices. Florida-Friendly landscapes receive a yard sign to display and a certificate for the recognition at either silver or gold level.

Show your commitment to protecting Florida’s water and natural resources by making your landscape Florida-Friendly and displaying your recognition sign.

Check with your local extension office to see if landscape recognition is offered in your county.

Recognition Process

In order to have your landscape recognized as a Florida-Friendly landscape, you must follow the steps below:

1. Download the checklist from the website:
• FFL Homeowner Checklist
• FFL Commercial & Common Area Checklist
• FFL New Construction Checklist 
2. Use the checklist to evaluate your landscape and make any changes needed.
3. If you need help making your landscape more Florida-Friendly, contact your county's Extension office or see our online materials
4. When your landscape is ready, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office to schedule a site evaluation. If your local county does not do landscape recognitions, contact the FFL state office.
5. An Extension agent or appointed FFL representative will visit your landscape and go through the checklist to determine if your landscape is Florida-Friendly.

Re-recognition Process at two years

Two years after the initial landscape recognition, the property must be re-recognized in order to keep its status as a Florida-Friendly landscape.  The two-year re-recognition may be done online as long as the steps below are followed:

1. The owner must email the FFL state office to request re-recognition and attach proof of the last in-person recognition. This may be:
   1. a copy of recognition letter or
   2. completed checklist signed by agent

   *Please note that a new owner in a previously recognized home must go through the initial in-person evaluation.

2. When the request is received, the FFL state office will email the Application link.
3. The online application to us must include:
   1. The Homeowner Landscape Checklist to be filled out online.
   2. A maintenance affidavit attesting that the home has been maintained in accordance with FFL principles since initial recognition
   3. Multiple photos of the full front yard, both side yards, the back yard, and any planting beds or specialized areas such as wildlife or rain gardens. (One zip file to be uploaded.)
4. The FFL State offices will review the application and determine if the property still qualifies as a Florida-Friendly recognized landscape or if more information is needed.

Re-recognition Process at Four Years    

Re-recognition at four years will consist of an in-person landscape evaluation, and cannot be done online. In-person evaluations must be done every four years to keep a Florida-Friendly landscape designation. Re-recognition must be initiated by the owner.

FIND YOUR LOCAL COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE

HOME LANDSCAPE RECOGNITION MANUAL