Florida Law Strips Cities of Power to Ban or Strictly Regulate Artificial Turf in Front Yards

HOLMES BEACH, FL - Florida cities will soon lose their ability to ban or impose stricter permit requirements for artificial turf in single-family front yards, thanks to new statewide legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June.

Senate Bill 712 and House Bill 683 - now codified under Florida Statute 125.572 - shift regulatory authority away from municipalities and toward the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Once the FDEP finalizes its rules, local governments will no longer be able to prohibit compliant synthetic turf installations or create regulations inconsistent with the state standards.

What the Law Covers

The law defines "synthetic turf" as any manufactured product resembling natural grass, used for landscaping or recreational surfaces. Under the new framework, FDEP must set minimum installation standards for single-family residential properties 1 acre or less. These standards will address:

• Material type and color
• Permeability and stormwater management
• Potable water conservation and water quality impacts
• Proximity to trees and vegetation
• Environmental conditions affecting adjacent properties
• Prohibition of lead-containing materials and rubber infill
• Disposal requirements at Florida landfills

Once these state rules are in place, cities cannot:

• Ban artificial turf if it meets FDEP standards
• Enforce conflicting local regulations for eligible single-family properties

Impact on Holmes Beach's Local Ordinance

Holmes Beach currently has one of the stricter artificial turf ordinances in the region. Adopted in January 2023, it prohibits artificial turf in front yards except in narrow cases, limits coverage to 10% of pervious surfaces in rear and side yards, and requires city permits plus post-installation inspections. Turf must be green, lifelike, lead-free, and flame-retardant.

These rules took months to develop, with input from University of Florida experts and industry professionals. But Development Services Director Chad Minor says the new state law will "essentially negate" Holmes Beach's ordinance for 90% of properties once FDEP finalizes its rules.

"We won't be able to require a permit for most single-family homes," Minor explained. "I doubt the FDEP will require one either."

State Rulemaking in Progress

On August 5, FDEP held a public workshop on synthetic turf standards. Comments are being accepted through August 19 via email at DWRA.Rulemaking@FloridaDEP.gov. The department has not given a timeline for when the rules will take effect.

Minor says the city has shared its ordinance with FDEP and urged the agency to "tread carefully" when shaping standards that will apply statewide. Holmes Beach will still retain limited authority over turf installation at duplexes and multi-family residences.

Local Frustration Over Preemption

Some local officials and planning commissioners are openly frustrated. Commissioner Gale Tedhams questioned why the Department of Environmental Protection would back rules that encourage more synthetic surfaces.

"Let's put plastic everywhere," she said. "It's sad. They don't protect anything."

Minor noted that the FDEP is simply carrying out the legislative mandate. Cities like Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach currently have no artificial turf regulations, so the change will be less disruptive there.

Bigger Picture

The debate reflects a larger statewide trend of preemption laws, where the Florida Legislature limits the ability of cities and counties to create their own environmental or property-use rules. Proponents say uniform standards prevent regulatory patchworks that burden homeowners and contractors. Critics argue it undermines local control and environmental safeguards.

This article summarizes reporting originally published by amisun.com