(1)(a) The Legislature finds that Florida-friendly landscaping contributes to the conservation, protection, and restoration of water. In an effort to meet the water needs of this state in a manner that will supply adequate and dependable supplies of water where needed, it is the intent of the Legislature that Florida-friendly landscaping be an essential part of water conservation and water quality protection and restoration planning.

(b) As used in this section, “Florida-friendly landscaping” has the same meaning as in s. 373.185.

(2) The governing body of each municipality shall consider enacting ordinances, consistent with s. 373.185, requiring the use of Florida-friendly landscaping as a water conservation or water quality protection or restoration measure. If the governing body determines that such landscaping would be of significant benefit as a water conservation or water quality protection or restoration measure, especially for waters designated as impaired pursuant to s. 403.067, relative to the cost to implement Florida-friendly landscaping in its area of jurisdiction in the municipality, the governing body shall enact a Florida-friendly landscaping ordinance. Further, the governing body shall consider promoting Florida-friendly landscaping as a water conservation or water quality protection or restoration measure by: using such landscaping in any areas under its jurisdiction which are landscaped after the effective date of this act; providing public education on Florida-friendly landscaping, its uses in increasing water conservation and water quality protection or restoration, and its long-term cost-effectiveness; and offering incentives to local residents and businesses to implement Florida-friendly landscaping.

(3)(a) The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state’s water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners’ associations and local governments is essential to the state’s efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restoration.

(b) A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land or create any requirement or limitation in conflict with any provision of part II of chapter 373 or a water shortage order, other order, consumptive use permit, or rule adopted or issued pursuant to part II of chapter 373.

(c) A local government ordinance may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.

History.—s. 6, ch. 91-41; s. 6, ch. 91-68; s. 3, ch. 2001-252; s. 22, ch. 2009-243.