Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) is the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping, providing guidance on low-impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters. Since 1993, FFL has served Florida as a partnership between the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension (UF/IFAS Extension) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The FFL Program is centered around nine principles: 1) Right Plant, Right Place; 2) Water efficiency; 3) fertilizing appropriately; 4) mulching; 5) attracting wildlife; 6) managing yard pests responsibly; 7) recycling; 8) reducing storm water runoff; and 8) protecting the waterfront.
The FFL Program isn't just for homeowners - it is for every Floridian engaged in any landscape management or decision making. In Nassau County, resources are provided to: 1) homeowners; 2) community landscapes (community/property managers, builder/developers, HOA Board members, and local governments; 3) landscaping professionals.
Do you have an FFL? The Nassau County Extension Office does offer FFL Recognition for different landscapes. Reach out to their office if you are interested in submitting your landscape for recognition. Call the Nassau County Extension Office at (904) 530-6350 or email nassau@ifas.ufl.edu.
Want some fun inspiration? Check out the FFL Example landscapes from around the state here. https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/ffl-examples.
-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer