The Selection Process

Step 1 – Online Application

The online application takes between five and 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked to fill in some basic information and to complete a checklist about your landscape. We encourage you to upload recent photos of your landscape.

Simply complete the online form and submit it no later than midnight on July 31 for this year's program.

Step 2 – On-site Evaluation

If your landscape meets the basic criteria for the awards based on your application, a local Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent will contact you to schedule an on-site evaluation of your landscape and irrigation. The evaluations are completed during regular business hours. Applicants must be present during the evaluation and judges will need access to all areas of the landscape as well as the irrigation system controller, if applicable. Pets must be secured during this process.

On-site evaluations will begin in August and award recipients are notified shortly thereafter. If these months don't work for you, let us know and we'll work with your schedule.

Evaluation Criteria

Retention of Existing Trees & Vegetation

• No Category I invasive exotic plant species on site
• Drought-tolerant trees and/or plants are retained, protected or planted                     
• Self-mulching areas are located under trees      

Landscape Design & Plant Selection

• Minimal and/or practical use of grass (real or artificial turf)
• Plants are appropriate to site conditions (sun/shade, drainage, etc.)
• Plants with similar water requirements are grouped together
• Organic/plant-based mulch is applied 2-3 inches deep
• No Category I exotic plant species
• Drought tolerant tree is retained/protected/planted

Stormwater Runoff Prevention

• Rain collection devices are in use
• Gutter downspouts/roof run off directed to pervious surfaces

Efficient Irrigation

• Either the landscape exists primarily on rainfall, or all these criteria are met:
  • Time clock is set properly
  • Rain sensor is functioning
  • No breaks/leaks
• Turf and plants are irrigated in separate zones
• Rotors, sprays and microirrigation are in separate zones

Aesthetic Appeal

• Water wise landscapes can be beautiful. Attractive and well-maintained landscapes earn extra points.