Landscape Architecture

Useful Links for Landscape Projects

District Contacts

Contact information for each district Landscape Architects, Managers, and Coordinators.

Article II, section 7(a), Florida Constitution 

"It shall be the policy of the state to conserve and protect its natural resources and scenic beauty."

Section 334.044 (26) Florida Statutes 

"The department shall have the powers and duties to...conserve the natural roadside growth and scenery; and to provide for the implementation and maintenance of roadside conservation, enhancement, and stabilization programs. No less than 1.5 percent of the amount contracted for construction projects shall be allocated by the department for the purchase of plant materials...." 

Landscape Policy Topic # 000-650-11-d

“It is the policy of the Florida Department of Transportation to conserve, protect, and enhance Florida’s natural resources and scenic beauty when planning, constructing, and maintaining the State Transportation System. Under this policy, Florida can have:

  • Safe, attractive, and high-quality transportation facilities that reflect and recognize the beauty and nature of Florida.
  • Corridors with landscapes that improve air and water quality, benefit ecosystems, and enhance communities.
  • A transportation system that attracts and supports diverse economic opportunities and tourism.


    In carrying out this policy, the Department will:

  • Develop and commit to aesthetics, landscape opportunities, and landscape conservation and protection concepts early in programming, planning, and designing of transportation facilities.
  • Rely on interdisciplinary planning and design processes.
  • Engage in public outreach and communicate with local governments and communities to form strong partnerships.
  • Accommodate existing and proposed landscapes.
  • Utilize a diverse mix of context appropriate, resilient, Florida Friendly, primarily native plants that reflect the regional identity.
  • Implement design and construction solutions to streamline landscape maintenance activities.
  • Promote awareness of the many benefits of transportation landscapes enjoyed by the public and within the Department.
  • Measure the costs and benefits.”


Highway Beautification Policy, Florida Department of Transportation Plans for other highway landscape projects must comply with Part I, Rule Chapter 14-40, F.A.C Highway Beautification and Landscape Management:

Landscape Architects and contractors can learn about specific FDOT project requirements by visiting the Office of Design, here you can access the:

  • Plans for highway landscape projects prepared under contract with the Florida Department of Transportation must comply with the FDOT FDOT Design Manual: Volume 1-Chapter 9 'Landscape and Community Aesthetic Features'. The following Chapters address Lateral Offsets to Trees: Volume 1-Chapter 21 'Transportation Design for Livable Communities', Table 25.4.14.6 & Volume 1-Chapter 25 'Design Criteria for Resurfacing, Restoration and Rehabilitation (RRR) of Streets and Highways', Table 21.3.
  • The FDOT Standard Plans website offers;
  • Landscape architects typically find Index 544-Landscape Installation,  Index 546-Sight Distance at Intersections, and Index 700-Roadside Offsets to be helpful when preparing landscape plans;
  • Design Standard Index Series 600-660-Traffic Control Through Work Zones;
  • Various training opportunities.

The Program Management Office publishes the Utility Accommodation Manual, FDOT Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Construction and the Basis of Estimates Manual and Master Pay Item List

Quick Reference Links