What’s the average monthly cost for lawn care in Florida?

Most 1/4‑acre Florida lawns land at $120–$300 per month for mow/edge/trim/blow. Add-ons like shrub shaping, palm pruning, and seasonal cleanups typically increase the bill. Fertilizer/weed control programs are often quoted separately or folded into a premium package.

How much does sod installation cost in Florida?

Installed sod runs about $1.50–$3.50 per square foot for St. Augustine or Zoysia, including prep and delivery. A 2,000 sq ft front yard usually totals $3,000–$7,000. Choosing the right cultivar for your sun, soil, and irrigation pattern prevents expensive re‑sodding.

Do I need permits or licenses for irrigation work in Florida?

Often yes. Many counties require permits for new irrigation systems, and the installer may need appropriate contractor and FDACS credentials for chemical application. Ask your local building department and verify your contractor’s licenses and insurance before work starts.

When is the best time to do a big landscape install in Florida?

Fall through early spring (roughly October–April). Cooler temps reduce disease and water stress, and it’s easier to schedule around watering restrictions and summer fertilizer blackouts. You’ll also give new plants time to root before hurricane season’s wind and rain.

Should I hire a landscaper or a lawn care service in Florida?

Hire a lawn care company for recurring mowing and basic trimming; hire a landscaper for design, irrigation, hardscapes, and plant installs. Some firms do both. If you’re unsure, see our guide: Landscaper vs Lawn Care Service for how they price and what they include.

Landscaper Cost Florida: Real 2026 Prices + Hiring Tips

Florida landscaper cost in 2026: quick snapshot

If you live in Florida, here’s the no-spin version. Expect to pay $120–$300/month for routine lawn care on a typical 1/4‑acre lot, $4,000–$25,000+ for a new landscape install, and $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft for sod installed. Labor moves fast here, but hurricanes, irrigation, and fertilizer rules add complexity—and cost.

We’ve personally hired crews in Tampa Bay and Orlando for $160–$220/month for mow/edge/trim plus quarterly shrub care. Big installs with palms, pavers, lighting, and irrigation push into five figures.

What drives landscaper cost in Florida

Property size and obstacles: Pools, screen enclosures, and tight side yards slow crews.
Plant choices: St. Augustine vs. Zoysia, queen palms vs. sable, natives vs. thirsty exotics.
Irrigation complexity: County permits and licensed installers add time and fees.
Hurricane prep: Proper tree selection/pruning and wind-load considerations aren’t optional.
Local rules: Watering schedules and summer fertilizer “blackouts” affect timing and visits.
Crew model: Solo operator vs. insured multi‑crew firm; we see $45–$85/hour per tech, or $90–$160/hour per 2‑person crew. For pure hourly talk, see How Much Do Landscapers Charge per Hour: Price Guide.

Typical Florida prices by service

Monthly lawn care (¼‑acre): $120–$300 for mow/edge/trim/blow; add $20–$40/visit for bagging during peak growth.
Shrub/hedge trimming: $75–$250/visit; lineal-foot quotes common for ligustrum/podocarpus.
Palm pruning: $60–$150 per palm (height/seed pods/boots removal drive price). Removals: $300–$1,000+.
One‑time cleanups: $300–$900; storm cleanups can surge 20–40%.
Sod install (St. Augustine Floratam/Zoysia): $1.50–$3.50/sq ft installed. A 2,000 sq ft front yard runs $3,000–$7,000.
Irrigation install (¼‑acre): $3,000–$6,500 for poly/PVC with smart controller; repairs $120–$300 per visit plus parts.
Landscape design: $800–$3,500 for a typical suburban plan; large/complex coastal lots $4,000+ (and usually worth it—see Should I Hire a Landscape Designer? A No-BS Guide).
Hardscapes: Paver patios/walkways $12–$22/sq ft; basic gravel paths $4–$8/sq ft (great for drainage).

Florida rules, climate, and timing that change your bid

By the numbers: Florida spans USDA Zones 8a–11b, from panhandle freezes to tropical Keys, so plant/irrigation choices (and warranty risk) vary by county. South Florida follows year‑round landscape watering restrictions, typically two days/week depending on address (SFWMD). Many counties use Florida‑Friendly practices via UF/IFAS guidance. (USDA Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov; SFWMD watering: https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/water-conservation/watering-restrictions; UF/IFAS FFL: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu)

Fertilizer blackouts: Coastal counties (e.g., parts of Tampa Bay/SW FL) restrict N/P during summer—crews may schedule extra cultural practices instead.
Licensing: Irrigation often needs permits and a licensed contractor; pesticide/fertilizer-for-hire requires FDACS licensing (https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Pesticide-Licensing). Budget time and fees.
Best seasons: Major installs Oct–April for lower disease pressure and easier establishment before summer heat.

Florida landscaper cost examples (realistic ranges)

Budget spruce-up (Jacksonville ¼‑acre): Edge beds, mulch, 2 pallets St. Augustine, light pruning: $2,200–$3,800.
Mid‑range coastal refresh (St. Petersburg): 3 queen palms, 12 shrubs, drip in beds, LED path lights: $7,500–$12,000.
Full backyard in Orlando: 300 sq ft pavers, Zoysia sod, 6‑zone irrigation, privacy hedge: $14,000–$24,000.

Who to hire in Florida (and how we vet)

Florida has plenty of solid operators—from regional firms like Yellowstone Landscape (HQ: Bunnell), BrightView (branches statewide), and O’Hara Landscape (Palm Beach County) to locals like Earth Works (Jacksonville). We get three bids, ask for irrigation and pesticide credentials, and verify insurance.

Use these to speed it up:

DIY vs pro in Florida: gear and products we actually use

If you’re tackling pieces yourself to trim cost:

St. Augustine Floratam sod: 500‑sq‑ft pallet $300–$450 in FL (Bethel Farms/Council Growers). Two pallets cover ~1,000 sq ft.
Rain Bird 5000 rotor heads: ~$14 each at Home Depot FL; smart controllers (Rachio 3) $150–$230 help with watering rules.
Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food (for St. Augustine): ~ $32 for 14.5 lb/5,000 sq ft.
EGO 56V string trimmer: ~$219; quiet and HOA‑friendly. We’ll still hire pros for ladder‑work palm pruning and anything requiring permits/FDACS licenses.

Florida cost vs elsewhere (quick sanity check)

Florida’s year‑round growth and storm risk push maintenance slightly higher than many inland states, but install pricing is competitive thanks to strong plant supply. If you want cross‑state context, compare with our Colorado piece after you finish here. For monthly costs, also see Monthly Lawn Care Cost: Real Prices, Services, and ROI.