Other Invasive Exotic Vegetation
CITY-LISTED INVASIVE EXOTIC VEGETATION
Invasive exotic plants have been introduced on purpose and accidentally to Florida since the first Europeans arrived in the 16th century. It is believed that up to 29 percent of Florida’s plant species growing on their own are “exotic.” Many of these plant species have the ability to act like weeds, spreading extensively on their own, displacing native plants and wildlife, and disrupting natural ecological processes.
Section 122-191 of the Sanibel Land Development Code prohibits the planting or transplanting of eight invasive exotic plants:
1. Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthefolius)
2. Melaleuca/Punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
3. Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis)
4. Java plum (Syzygium cumini)
5. Scaevola/Exotic inkberry (Scaevola taccada= S. frutescens, S. sericea)
6. Lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala)
7. Mother-in-law’s tongue/Bowstring hemp (Sansevieria hyacinthoides)
8. Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)
Although not listed by the City, the Australian pine (Casuarina spp.) is designated as an invasive exotic species by the State of Florida and may not be sold or planted within the state boundaries.
Removal of Invasive Exotic Vegetation
Complete removal of all City-listed invasive exotic vegetation is required prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Thereafter, a homeowner is required to maintain the property free of these plants in perpetuity.
Hand removal of invasive exotic vegetation on developed property does not require a vegetation permit.
However, mechanical removal of invasive exotic vegetation ALWAYS requires a development permit and a vegetation permit.