Government Real Estate Issues

Invasive Invaders
















If you have any questions, or would like a copy of the proposed ordinance contact:


Vice President of Government Affairs
(561) 585-4544
















The warm climate of Florida is a breeding ground for a variety of non-native invasive plants. These invaders grow at such a startling rate that they are taking over Florida and Palm Beach County's native ecosystem.

Removal of the nine invasive non-native plant species countywide (unincorporated and municipalities) is required on properties developed prior to April 1986 by the dates listed, on all properties within 500 feet from a designated natural area in Palm Beach County. For those properties outside of a 500 foot buffer area, only Old World Climbing Fern and Air Potato vines must be removed from all properties.  Click here to view the full County code. 

To assist property owners within the 500-foot buffer with the removal of the County's nine Prohibited Plant Species, the County has developed several incentive programs to help with their removal.  Click here to learn more about the incentive program. 

The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches has developed a form to inform buyers and seller about the County’s regulations on invasive plants.  Download Invasive Plant Disclosure Form



The following are photos of the nine prohibited plant species in Palm Beach County.

Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)
Quickly engulfs native vegetation, climbing high into nature tree canopies. Drops hundreds of bulbils ("potatoes") that sprout in the springtime.
Remove by 1/1/04
Australian Pine (Casuarina spp.)
Dense pine needle litter and voders over 300,000 acres in South Florida.
Remove by 1/1/12
Brazilian Pepper
(Schinus terebinthifolious)
Relative of poison ivy.
Remove by 1/1/08
Carrotwood
(Cupaniopsis anacardioides)
Slender, evergreen tree with rounded canopy. Yellow fruit ripes in the summer.
Remove by 1/1/08
Earleaf Acacia
(Acacia auriculiformis)
Invades scrub and pine flatwoods. Very brittle tree.
Remove by 1/1/10
Kudzu
(Pueraria Montana var. lobata)
High-climbing vine that forms large impenetrable masses.
Remove by 1/1/12
Melaleuca
(Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Invades freshwater wetlands.
Remove by 1/1/06
Old-World Climbing Fern
(Lygodium mocrophyllum)
Forms dense mats that cover trees and the forest floor.
Remove by 1/1/04
Queensland Umbrella Tree
(Schefflera actinophylla)
Often seen growing in the "boots" of cabbage palms.
Remove by 1/1/10


   


Copyright 2005 by the Realtors® Association of the Palm Beaches
www.rapb.com