Native Landscaping in Sarasota, FL
Sarasota County's RainCheck Rebate Program offers up to $5,000 per property for stormwater-friendly landscaping projects, and the SWFWMD WISE Program adds up to $20,000 in cost-share for water-efficient improvements. Sarasota's Gulf Coast location supports a rich palette of native plants adapted to sandy soils and salt air.
Up to $5,000 through RainCheck + SWFWMD WISE
Available Rebate Programs
RainCheck Rebate Program
Up to $5,000 per propertySarasota County
Rebates for rain gardens ($500), downspout planter boxes ($1,000), impervious surface replacement, and custom best practices site plans (up to $5,000). Up to two projects per property.
- Must be a Sarasota County property owner
- Property must be in city of Sarasota or unincorporated Sarasota County
- Previously installed improvements not eligible
- Apply at scgov.net/raincheck
WISE Program (Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency)
Up to $20,000 (50% cost-share)Southwest Florida Water Management District
Up to 50% reimbursement or a maximum of $20,000 for qualifying conservation projects including WaterSense controllers, soil moisture sensors, micro-irrigation conversion, and high-efficiency irrigation heads.
- Must be within the Southwest Florida Water Management District
- Applications accepted year-round, first-come first-served
- Must provide documentation of project costs
- Projects must demonstrate water savings potential
Rebate programs change regularly. Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying. View all Florida programs.
Recommended Native Plants for Sarasota
These native plants are well-adapted to the Gulf Coast ecoregion and have growth habits that work well in HOA-conscious front yard designs.
Firebush
Hamelia patens
Compact dwarf varieties produce year-round blooms in Sarasota's warm climate. Top pollinator plant for Gulf Coast gardens.
Coontie
Zamia integrifolia
Low, cycad-like form reads as intentional and manicured. Pairs well with formal landscape designs in HOA communities.
Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Fall pink plumes are a showstopper along driveways and walkways. Extremely low maintenance in sandy soils.
Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Arching branches with electric-purple berry clusters in fall. Adds multi-season interest to mixed native borders.
Simpson's Stopper
Myrcianthes fragrans
Fragrant flowers, red berries, and attractive peeling bark. Dense enough for privacy screening.
Sea Grape
Coccoloba uvifera
Bold round leaves and salt tolerance make it ideal for Sarasota's coastal and barrier island properties.
Blanket Flower
Gaillardia pulchella
Cheerful red-and-yellow daisies bloom nearly year-round. Thrives in Sarasota's sandy, well-drained soils with no supplemental irrigation.
Explore the full native plant library in the Pollinator Patch app, filtered by your specific ecoregion.
HOA Landscaping in Sarasota
Sarasota County has a high concentration of deed-restricted communities, particularly in Palmer Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, The Meadows, and barrier island condominiums. Many enforce St. Augustine turf requirements. The RainCheck Program's focus on stormwater management provides an environmental-benefit argument that resonates with HOA boards, especially after recent hurricane seasons.
HOA-Conscious Design Tips
- Start with clean edges and defined bed shapes — structure signals care more than plant choice.
- Place shorter plants near the street and taller ones near the house for a tidy layered look.
- Use mulch between plants to signal intentional planting and reduce bare-soil concerns.
- Repeat 2–3 plant species for a cohesive, planned appearance rather than a random mix.
Local Tips for Sarasota
- Sarasota's RainCheck requires pre-approval — apply at scgov.net/raincheck before starting any work.
- Native plant nurseries like Green Seasons Nursery in Parrish and Florida Native Plants Nursery in Sarasota carry species suited to Gulf Coast conditions.
- Sarasota's sandy soils drain fast but hold few nutrients — add a thin layer of composted leaf mulch (not cypress mulch) to support native plantings.
- The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota showcases native Florida plants and offers educational programs on sustainable landscaping.
Plan Your Sarasota Native Yard
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for Sarasota's Gulf Coast ecoregion, design an HOA-conscious layout, and generate documentation for rebate applications.