Are you proud of your Florida-Friendly yard? Want to inspire others and get recognition for your hard work? The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Home Recognition program is your chance to shine! Here’s how you can participate, what the process looks like, and how you can help us highlight your landscape’s best features.

What is FFL Home Recognition?

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Recognition celebrates homeowners who use sustainable practices to conserve water, protect water quality, and support wildlife. Your landscape can be recognized at Silver, Gold, or FFL Natural levels. Each with its own set of requirements.

FFL Recognition is valid for 2 years from the date of original recognition. Reevaluation must take place upon expiration to determine if your landscape can remain an FFL Recognized Landscape under the most recent version of the FFL Home Recognition Checklist.

How to Apply:

Download the Checklist

Use the FFL Home Landscape Recognition Checklist (PDF) or the FFL Natural Landscape Checklist (PDF) to evaluate your yard. You can download these directly from our site or from the links below.

Make Your Landscape Florida-Friendly

• Review the checklist and make any needed changes.
• The FFL Home Handbook is packed with practical information about the 9 Florida Friendly Landscaping™ principles and how to apply them in your landscape. The reference numbers on the Home Checklist match up with the handbook, so use it as your guide during self evaluation and to learn the best management practices for your landscape.
• Focus on the 9 FFL Principles: Right Plant, Right Place; Water Efficiently; Fertilize Appropriately; Mulch; Attract Wildlife; Manage Yard Pests Responsibly; Recycle Yard Waste; Reduce Stormwater Runoff; Protect the Waterfront

Take Great Photos

• What we look for: Clear, well-lit photos that show your whole yard, special features (like rain barrels, pollinator gardens, or microirrigation), and any “before and after” shots if you’ve made big changes.
• Tips for quality: Use natural daylight, take photos from multiple angles, and include close-ups of your favorite plants or wildlife-friendly elements.

Submit Your Application

Email me photos and completed checklist as your online application. We’ll use these to help decide if a site visit is needed. The evaluation is friendly, educational, and focused on helping you succeed.

• • Email your photos and completed checklist to:
    • Michael Masucci – masuccim@ufl.edu 

Show Off Your Recognition

Show your commitment to protecting Florida’s water and natural resources by making your landscape Florida-Friendly and displaying your recognition flag. Recognition is valid for two years, so you can renew and keep improving.

Previous Winners and Landscape Photos:

Want to see what a Florida-Friendly yard looks like? Check out our gallery of FFL Home Landscape Photos and read about past winners who’ve transformed their spaces with sustainable practices.

Checklist Downloads:

• FFL Home Landscape Recognition Checklist (PDF)
• FFL Natural Landscape Recognition Checklist (PDF)

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