How much is monthly lawn care in Florida?

For a typical 1/4 acre lot, expect $120–$220 per month for weekly mowing, edging, and blowing. Add $40–$120 for bed weeding or shrub touch-ups. Fertilizer and weed control plans are usually priced separately and may be restricted during local fertilizer blackout periods.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Florida?

Often, yes—especially for protected species or larger diameters. Miami-Dade and Orlando commonly require permits and may mandate replacement trees. Your landscaper or arborist can handle filings, but budget $75–$250 for admin time plus city fees. Always check your municipality and HOA first.

When is the cheapest time to hire a landscaper in Florida?

November through February is the off-peak window. Growth slows, storm cleanups taper off, and crews can schedule installs faster, sometimes with 5–15% better pricing. Spring through late summer is busy and pricier—post-storm demand can push wait times and rush charges higher.

What grass works best in Florida and how does it affect cost?

St. Augustine looks great but drinks more water and needs fertilizer timing—install $1.70–$2.70/sq ft. Zoysia costs a bit more upfront but stays dense. Bahia is tougher and cheaper long-term for large, sunny lots. Your irrigation and fertilization costs will track with the grass choice.

Are landscapers licensed in Florida?

There isn’t a single statewide “landscaper” license. However, irrigation contractors, pesticide applicators, and commercial fertilizer applicators need FDACS/GI-BMP credentials and local business tax receipts. Ask for insurance and specific licenses that match the work (irrigation, chemical apps, tree work).

Landscaper Cost Florida: 2026 Prices, What to Expect

Florida landscaper cost, fast

If you’re hiring in Florida, here’s the 2026 reality: most homeowners spend $120–$220/month for routine lawn care, $8–$22 per sq ft for new landscaping, $2,200–$5,500 for a 4‑zone irrigation system, and $75–$150 per palm trim. We’ve hired crews in Tampa and Orlando; those ranges hold from Miami-Dade to Jacksonville.

What drives landscaper cost in Florida

Lot size and complexity: slopes, pool cages, and tight side yards add time.
Coastal/salt exposure: pushes you toward pricier, salt-tough plants and anchoring.
Hurricane hardening: staking, root ball sizing, and wind-rated tree choices cost extra.
Watering limits: irrigation design and smart controllers save water—and dollars.
HOA/permit friction: extra visits for approvals = billable hours.

One useful stat: Florida-Friendly Landscaping can reduce outdoor water use 20–50%, and up to half of a household’s water may go to irrigation (University of Florida IFAS, https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu). That’s why efficient design and smart controllers pay back here.

Typical Florida landscaping services and prices (USD)

Mowing/edging/blowing for 1/4 acre: $35–$65 per visit; $120–$220/month on a 4‑visit plan.
Bed maintenance (weeding, light pruning, mulch top-up): +$40–$120/visit.
Palm trimming: $75–$150 per palm (queen, sabal, areca), more for canopy lifts.
Tree pruning (live oak / ficus): $250–$800; removals $500–$1,800 depending on size and access.
Sod install (St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bahia): $0.50–$1.20/sq ft for sod + $1.20–$1.50 labor/soil prep = $1.70–$2.70/sq ft.
Irrigation install (4–6 zones): $2,200–$5,500; add $150–$300 for backflow test where required.
Mulch: $50–$120 per cubic yard + $35–$60/yd labor; pine straw is cheaper inland.
Landscape design: $500–$2,500 flat or $75–$150/hr; full 3D plans cost more.
Full install (plants, sod, beds, irrigation tweaks): $8–$22/sq ft, higher on the beach or for specimen palms.

For named gear: Rain Bird 5000 rotors run about $12–$18 each; a Hunter Pro‑C controller $115–$180; Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food (14.06 lb) $24–$30—fine for DIY, but many Florida counties restrict fertilizer timing (more below).

Florida regulations that change the bid

Fertilizer blackouts: Many counties (e.g., Pinellas, Lee, Brevard) restrict nitrogen/phosphorus during rainy season (often June 1–Sept 30). Your pro should hold a GI‑BMP certification for fertilizer application.
Tree removal permits: Cities like Orlando and Miami‑Dade often require permits for protected species/diameter. Factor $75–$250 in admin time if your contractor handles this.
Irrigation/backflow: New systems or tie‑ins may need a permit and backflow certification; some water districts require rain sensors.
Licensing: There’s no single “state landscaper license,” but irrigation contractors and pesticide/fertilizer applicators need the proper Florida/FDACS credentials. Ask to see them.

Who to hire in Florida (and when)

Reputable statewide players include Yellowstone Landscape (Palm Coast/Orlando), BrightView (Miami, Tampa, Orlando), and Juniper Landscaping (Fort Myers/Tampa). Solid local firms will show proof of insurance, GI‑BMP certification, and recent coastal installs.

Best time to book in Florida: November–February. Growth slows, crews have capacity, and prices are friendlier.
Peak (costlier) season: March–September, especially after tropical storms when demand spikes.

If you’re deciding role fit, read Landscaper vs Lawn Care Service: What’s the Difference?. For screening, bring our 14 Key Questions to Ask a Landscaper Before Hiring to the walkthrough.

Florida-friendly plant picks that save money later

Choose wind‑ and salt‑tolerant natives where needed: sabal palm, Simpson’s stopper, saw palmetto, coontie, muhly grass, and live oak. Along the Gulf and in the Keys, favor sea grape, green buttonwood, and silver saw palmetto. Upfront costs can be higher than tender ornamentals, but you’ll win on storm survival and irrigation savings.

Real-world hiring tips from the field

Get a written scope with plant sizes (gallon/box), counts, and irrigation changes noted.
Ask for hurricane staking and root ball specs on trees 30+ gal.
Insist on a smart controller (e.g., Hunter Hydrawise, $165–$260 installed upgrade) with a rain sensor.
For HOA jobs, have your landscaper prep submittals with color renderings—cuts a week off approval in our experience.

Pricing rabbit holes? See How Much Do Landscapers Charge per Hour: Price Guide and if you’re mainly after grass, Monthly Lawn Care Cost. For designer-led projects, start with Should I Hire a Landscape Designer? A No-BS Guide.