The Most Common Florida Weeds (and How to Remove Them)

Florida's warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for weeds to grow aggressively. With frequent rainfall, high humidity, and sandy soil, weeds spread fast across lawns, flowerbeds, and garden spaces.

Homeowners in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, Naples, Cape Coral, West Palm Beach, and surrounding areas all deal with the same issue: weeds grow faster here than in many other states.

If you don't stay ahead of them, they can take over your yard in a matter of weeks.

This guide covers the most common Florida weeds, why the state's climate accelerates growth, and the best ways to remove and prevent them.

Why Weeds Grow So Aggressively in Florida

Weeds thrive in Florida because of:

• Year-round growing seasons
• High humidity
• Regular rainfall (especially May–October)
• Sandy soil that drains quickly
• Hot summers
• Mild winters that don't kill seeds
• Irrigation systems that keep soil moist

Even during winter, some weeds remain active — meaning weed control isn't a seasonal task here; it's a year-round job.

The Most Common Weeds in Florida

Below are the weeds Florida homeowners see most often across lawns, flowerbeds, and gravel areas.

1. Dollarweed

Common in moist, shady areas of Florida lawns.

Why it's a problem:

• Thrives in wet conditions
• Spreads quickly
• Hard to control once established
• Common throughout Florida

2. Nutsedge (Nutgrass)

One of the most stubborn weeds in Florida.

Why it's a problem:

• Grows faster than grass
• Very difficult to kill
• Spreads underground
• Looks tall and messy even after mowing
• Requires selective herbicide — cannot simply be pulled

3. Spurge

A low-growing weed that spreads outward from a center point.

Why it's a problem:

• Thrives in heat
• Comes back quickly
• Spreads across rock beds

4. Crabgrass

Crabgrass loves:

• Heat
• Moist soil
• Thin or weak grass

It spreads quickly and forms wide, low patches that choke out healthy turf.

Why it's a problem:

• Fast spreading
• Hard to pull
• Comes back each year without pre-emergent
• Makes lawns uneven and patchy

5. Tropical Signalgrass

Common in Florida, especially in warm, moist areas.

Why it's a problem:

• Fast-growing
• Forms dense mats
• Difficult to control

6. Doveweed

Common in warm, moist areas of Florida.

Why it's a problem:

• Fast-growing
• Forms dense mats
• Difficult to control

7. Florida Pusley

Common in Florida lawns and gardens.

Why it's a problem:

• Spreads quickly
• Hard to remove
• Competes with grass for nutrients

8. Buttonweed

Common in Florida lawns, especially in moist areas.

Why it's a problem:

• Forms dense patches
• Hard to control
• Spreads quickly

9. Oxalis

Common in Florida flowerbeds and lawns.

Why it's a problem:

• Spreads aggressively
• Hard to remove completely
• Competes with desired plants

10. Clover

Clover appears in:

• Thin lawns
• Moist soil
• Shaded areas

It's identifiable by its small three-leaf pattern and white flowers.

Why it's a problem:

• Spreads aggressively
• Attracts bees
• Competes with grass for nutrients

Best Pre-Emergent Timing

Pre-emergents stop weed seeds from sprouting.

Apply in:

• Early spring (February 1–March 15)
• Late summer (August–September)

Pre-emergent is essential in Florida because of the aggressive weed cycles.

Post-Emergent Strategies

Used for weeds that are already growing.

Effective on:

• Crabgrass
• Broadleaf weeds
• Clover
• Chickweed
• Dandelions

There are selective herbicides that target weeds without harming grass.

Sandy Soil Considerations

Florida's sandy soil impacts weed growth:

• Sandy soil drains quickly, requiring more frequent watering
• Weeds can establish quickly in sandy areas
• Proper irrigation helps grass compete with weeds
• Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds

Mulch Depth

Mulch helps:

• Block sunlight to weed seeds
• Maintain moisture balance
• Reduce weed growth by 60–90%

Works extremely well with hardwood mulches common in Florida.

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch for best results.

Lawn Density Methods

A thick, well-maintained lawn naturally prevents weeds.

This is why:

• Mowing every 5–7 days in rainy season reduces the need for chemicals
• Overseeding thin areas helps
• Proper fertilization strengthens grass
• Regular aeration improves root growth

Why Florida's Climate Requires Consistent Weed Control

Unlike states with harsh winters, Florida's mild winters allow:

• Winter weeds to grow
• Seeds to survive until spring
• Cool-season weeds to germinate early
• Lawns to stay active year-round

This leads to:

• More total weeds
• More weed cycles
• More aggressive root systems
• Year-round weed management needs

Weed control cannot be done once or twice a year — it must be consistent.

When to Schedule Professional Weed Removal in Florida

You need professional treatment when:

• Weeds reappear after pulling
• Nutsedge or dollarweed spreads
• Flowerbeds are full of weeds
• Grass is thinning or patchy
• You have fungus + weeds at the same time
• Your mowing schedule alone isn't helping
• Weeds keep returning each season

Weeds are a sign that your lawn ecosystem is unbalanced — professional services help restore that balance.

Get Weed Removal Solutions for Your Florida Home

If weeds are taking over your yard — or if you want a full seasonal weed control plan — Yard Maintenance connects you with reliable Florida weed removal professionals.