Make Your Development Projects Florida-Friendly
The FFL program would like to help Florida builders/developers create Florida-friendly communities. Contact the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ State Office or your local UF/IFAS Extension Agent for guidance.
Design and Maintenance
When using in-house staff or contractors, it is important that the design and maintenance teams are trained in how to properly implement the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. By law, it is required that anyone who applies fertilizer commercially have certification through FFL’s Green Industries Best Management Practices training. Although only legally required for fertilizer applicators, this training is highly recommended for any landscaping professionals, particularly staff involved in landscape installation and maintenance.
Another beneficial credential to look for when hiring a landscape contractor is a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional. These individuals have completed the required training in FFL principles and are familiar with the latest UF/IFAS recommendations. They have demonstrated the ability to recognize and address common landscape issues by using environmentally sustainable landscape management practices.
In addition to these training resources UF/IFAS Extension is available to help by providing the following services:
- Professional Training - Request a FFL workshop designed specifically for builders, developers, real estate professionals, landscape architects, landscape and irrigation contractors, and green industry professionals.
- Pre-Construction Consultations - Create high performance landscapes by meeting with FFL faculty and staff during the pre-construction phase. We are available to provide educational materials and advice on implementing the concepts of the FFL program for the land developer, landscape architect, and other interested parties during the planning process.
- Education during the Construction Phase and Beyond - UF/IFAS Extension and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program can provide workshops for residents on how to create healthy and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Training is available on a wide range of horticultural topics including: FFL design & plant selection, proper planting techniques, pest management, pruning and maintenance techniques, Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional training.
- FFL model language documents - FFL model documents incorporate the latest UF/IFAS recommendations and can be modified to suit your community vision and site conditions. These model documents include example language for community covenants, conditions, and restrictions; landscape maintenance contracts; and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ considerations for architectural review boards. See Guidelines for HOA Code Documents below.
Green Infrastructure
Managing stormwater runoff at a community level can require an engineered solution. Green infrastructure (GI) also known as Low Impact Development (LID) is a cost-effective, resilient approach to managing wet weather impacts that provides many community benefits. See the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Infrastructure Website for more information on technical guidance and funding opportunities.