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Gardening in Florida

At the Florida Wildlife Federation, we believe that your backyard, patio, or even a small balcony can become a thriving sanctuary for Florida’s native wildlife. By creating a wildlife-friendly garden, you can help protect local species, foster biodiversity, and restore natural habitats—all while enjoying the beauty of native plants and wildlife. 

Why Wildlife-Friendly Gardening Matters

Conservation doesn’t have to be on a grand scale, it can start right at home. Every yard, park, school, and community can become part of a larger network of wildlife habitats, helping to: 

  • Provide essential food, water, and shelter for native species 
  • Support pollinators like bees and butterflies 
  • Reduce the spread of invasive species 
  • Restore natural ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity 

Even a small area can make a big difference! Wildlife will naturally find their way to your garden when you provide the right elements. 

Get Certified & Display Your Commitment 

Showcase your commitment to conservation by certifying your habitat through the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat® program. Once certified, you qualify to proudly display a FWF Florida Wildlife Habitat sign as a symbol of your dedication to supporting Florida’s native wildlife. 

How to Get Certified: 

To qualify, your habitat must provide the following essential elements: 

✅ Food: Native plants that produce nectar, seeds, fruits, and nuts for wildlife 
 ✅ Water: Birdbaths, ponds, or shallow dishes for drinking and bathing 
 ✅ Cover: Bushes, trees, and brush piles where wildlife can find refuge 
 ✅ Places to Raise Young: Dense shrubs, host plants, and nesting boxes 
 ✅ Sustainable Practices: Limit pesticide use, remove invasive species, and conserve water 

Once certified, you can make a $30 donation to receive our exclusive Florida Wildlife Habitat Sign. Your donation directly supports FWF’s conservation efforts, and your sign will inspire others to protect native wildlife! 

Already certified? No need to certify again—simply skip to Step 2 and order your sign today! 

Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

1. Choose native plants

adapted to Florida’s climate and soil, making them the best food source for local wildlife. Pictured: Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

2. Provide water sources

such as bird baths, small ponds, or shallow dishes with stones for butterflies and insects to land on. Pictured: American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

3. Create shelter

and nesting areas with shrubs, rock piles, or dead wood.

4. Remove invasive species

that outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems. Pictured: Brazilian pepper-tree (Schinus terebinthifolia)

5. Avoid harmful chemicals

by using organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods to protect pollinators and beneficial insects. Pictured: Spiny-backed orb weaver spider (Gasteracantha cancriformis)

Additional Resources & Information

Native Wildlife Federation
Native Habitat Essentials
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Know Your Zone
Florida Native Plant Society
Explore Natives for Your Area
The Institute for Regional Conservation
Natives For Your Neighborhood
UF IFAS Extension
Weeds and Invasive Plants
UF IFAS Extension
Fertilizer and Pesticide Alternatives
Florida Wildflower Foundation
Easy-to-Grow Wildflowers
Florida Association of Native Nurseries
Retail Nurseries