Native Landscaping in Tampa, FL
Tampa Bay homeowners can tap into two major rebate programs — the SWFWMD WISE Program (up to $20,000 in cost-share) and Tampa Bay Water Wise rebates for irrigation upgrades. The Gulf Coast climate supports lush native landscapes that handle summer downpours and dry winters.
Up to $20,000 through SWFWMD WISE Program
Available Rebate Programs
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
Tampa Bay Water Wise Rebates
Up to $1,000Tampa Bay Water Wise
Multiple rebates including smart irrigation controllers (up to $250), sprinkler system upgrades (from $50), and shallow wells (up to $1,000). Florida Water Star certified homes receive $1,000 per single-family home.
- Must be a Tampa Bay Water member utility customer
- Sprinkler upgrades require licensed irrigation contractor evaluation
- Submit rebate form online after work completion
Rebate programs change regularly. Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying. View all Florida programs.
Recommended Native Plants for Tampa
These native plants are well-adapted to the Gulf Coast and Central Florida ecoregions and have growth habits that work well in HOA-conscious front yard designs.
Coontie
Zamia integrifolia
Slow-growing cycad with a formal, palm-like appearance. Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
Sea Grape
Coccoloba uvifera
Coastal native with distinctive round leaves and grape-like fruit clusters. Salt-tolerant and wind-resistant.
Blanket Flower
Gaillardia pulchella
Red and yellow daisy-like blooms from spring through fall. Thrives in Tampa's sandy, well-drained soils.
Saw Palmetto
Serenoa repens
Iconic Florida native palm. Clumping form works as a foundation plant or natural screen.
Walter's Viburnum
Viburnum obovatum
Dense evergreen shrub with small white flowers. Excellent for hedges that satisfy HOA screening requirements.
Coral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
Non-invasive native vine with red tubular flowers. Attracts hummingbirds to trellises and fences.
Beach Sunflower
Helianthus debilis
Fast-spreading ground cover with cheerful yellow blooms. Handles salt spray and sandy soil.
Explore the full native plant library in the Pollinator Patch app, filtered by your specific ecoregion.
HOA Landscaping in Tampa
Tampa and Hillsborough County are home to major HOA communities including Westchase, New Tampa, FishHawk Ranch, and Riverview developments. Many HOAs here enforce strict landscaping standards including turf requirements. The SWFWMD WISE Program's documentation and professional irrigation evaluation results can strengthen proposals to modify HOA-mandated landscapes.
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 Tampa
- SWFWMD WISE applications are accepted year-round on a first-come, first-served basis — apply early as funding is competitive.
- Wilcox Nursery in Largo and Sweet Bay Nursery in Parrish are top sources for Gulf Coast native plants.
- Tampa's sandy soils drain quickly — mulch heavily (3-4 inches) around new native plantings to retain moisture during establishment.
- Hillsborough County Extension offers a free Florida-Friendly Landscaping program with yard evaluations and plant recommendations.
Plan Your Tampa Native Yard
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for Tampa's Gulf Coast and Central Florida ecoregions, design an HOA-conscious layout, and generate documentation for rebate applications.