Florida Lawn Mowing Calendar
Published: February 1, 2026 · Updated: April 23, 2026
Florida's subtropical climate creates one of the longest continuous mowing seasons in North America — year-round growth in the south, and only a brief winter slowdown even in the panhandle. St. Augustine Grass dominates residential lawns, with Bahia, Bermuda, and Zoysia also common across different regions and soil conditions.
Best Mowing Heights for Florida Lawns
St. Augustine Grass
Ideal: 75mm (3.0")
Summer: 90mm (3.5")
Never below: 50mm
Mow every: 7 days (peak)
Bermuda Grass
Ideal: 32mm (1.3")
Summer: 38mm (1.5")
Never below: 13mm
Mow every: 7 days (peak)
Centipede Grass
Ideal: 38mm (1.5")
Summer: 45mm (1.8")
Never below: 25mm
Mow every: 14 days (peak)
Zoysia Grass
Ideal: 38mm (1.5")
Summer: 45mm (1.8")
Never below: 13mm
Mow every: 14 days (peak)
Florida Monthly Mowing Schedule
Based on St. Augustine Grass in zone 8b.
Mowing Tips for Florida
Never mow during peak afternoon heat (12–4pm) in summer. Morning mowing reduces heat stress on cut grass.
Raise mowing height by 15–25mm during heat waves. Taller grass shades roots and reduces soil moisture loss by up to 25%.
Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mow. Removing too much causes shock, browning, and weed invasion.
What Makes Mowing in Florida Different
Mowing in Florida is a year-round activity with characteristics that differentiate it sharply from the rest of the continental US. St. Augustine Grass, the most common lawn grass across southern and central Florida, requires mowing height maintained at 75-100mm at all times — scalping below 75mm removes the stolons the grass needs to spread and recover, and scalp damage in Florida's summer heat simply does not recover in the same season. The state's sandy soils drain extremely quickly and retain almost no nutrients without regular fertilization, making Florida lawns unusually dependent on consistent fertility management. Florida's chronic fungal and insect pressure is among the heaviest in North America: Chinch Bugs in St. Augustine during hot dry summers, Large Patch during the wet season, Sod Webworm moth activity in fall, and Take-All Root Rot in overwatered lawns. Maintaining correct mowing heights and avoiding evening irrigation are cultural controls that reduce incidence of all of these. Florida's rainy season — June through September — brings 5-10mm of rainfall most afternoons and accelerates grass growth dramatically; many Florida homeowners need twice-weekly mowing in August to keep St. Augustine at target height. The state's hurricane season requires specific preparation: lawns should be cut short enough that tropical storm winds do not lay the grass flat, but tall enough that they survive saltwater inundation from storm surge in coastal areas. Winter in south Florida brings minimal growth but no true dormancy; monthly mowing continues through the "dry season" from November through May.
Florida Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start mowing my lawn in Florida?
Start mowing in Florida when grass shows active green growth and soil temperature exceeds 10°C. For zone 8b, this is typically February–March. Set mower at maximum height for the first 2–3 cuts.
What height should I mow St. Augustine Grass in Florida?
St. Augustine Grass in Florida should be maintained at 75mm during spring and fall, raised to 90mm in summer. Never cut below 50mm.
How often should I mow my lawn in Florida in summer?
In Florida's zone 8b climate, St. Augustine Grass typically needs mowing every 7–14 days in peak summer. If growth slows in heat, extend the interval.
When should I stop mowing my Florida lawn in fall?
Warm-season grasses in Florida go dormant when temperatures drop below 10°C — typically November. Final mow at 75mm.
Should I raise my mowing height in Florida summers?
Yes — raising mowing height by 15–25mm in summer is one of the most important adjustments for Florida lawns. Taller grass shades roots, retains soil moisture, and reduces heat stress. This applies to all grass types.