7 Best Grass Types in Tampa, Florida Based on Your Type of Lawn

You don’t need a history lesson on the different grass types in Florida.

You need to know which one your lawn will actually like.

So, let’s go over what kind of grass grows in Florida’s miserable heat (and delightful winters), and then we’ll dig into which one works for your type of lawn.

What Kind of Grass Grows in Florida?

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Finding the best type of grass depends on where in Florida you live.

For example, Tampa grass preferences can be wildly different than the type of grass that thrives in Fort Lauderdale.

And even then, your Tampa neighbor’s grass might not work for your yard!

That being said, these are the 6 features you’ll find in almost all Florida-friendly grass:

Heat Tolerance: Florida’s scorching temperatures demand grass with exceptional heat tolerance.
Humidity Adaptability: Given the state’s high humidity levels, the ideal grass for Florida can thrive in muggy conditions, resisting diseases associated with moisture. Which also means, your Tampa grass should be…
Disease Resistance: Fungal diseases are a concern in Florida’s warm and humid environment.
Drought Resistance: Florida experiences periods of drought, so the right grass type should showcase resilience, even during water-scarce times.
Sun Requirements: Florida lawns benefit from grasses that love the sun. But some varieties enjoy full sunlight (like your sun-bathing pup) while others kind of hate it.
Soil Adaptation: You’ll find everything from sandy and loamy soils in Florida. So, your grass type should adapt well to different soil compositions.

RELATED: Caring for Your New Sod

7 Best Grass Types in Tampa, Florida

Here’s the lowdown on the types of grass that thrive in Florida to help you find the perfect fit for your backyard adventures with the kiddos and furry pals:

St. Augustine Grass: This one’s like the sunscreen for lawns; it loves a bit of shade. Great for lawns with trees casting cool spots.
Bermuda Grass: Bermuda is your go-to for those yards that soak up the sun all day. It can handle the heat like a champ, perfect for those sunny playdates where kids can run barefoot, feeling the cool blades beneath their feet.
Zoysia Grass: If your lawn’s got a mix of sun and shade, Zoysia adapts like a chameleon, so it’s perfect for lawns with a bit of everything.
Bahia Grass: Bahia loves those sandy lawns. It’s also a low-maintenance choice.
Centipede Grass: Easy, breezy, and low-maintenance—Centipede grass is like the laid-back friend you can count on. It’s fantastic for those who prefer a chill lawn with minimal fuss.
Seashore Paspalum: This coastal-friendly grass is a salt-tolerant gem, making it an excellent choice for yards near the beach or areas with salty soils. Its adaptability to sandy conditions adds a touch of resilience to your Tampa grass.
Buffalo Grass: For those seeking an eco-friendly option, Buffalo Grass is your green solution. It’s drought-tolerant, water-efficient, and has a lush, delicate texture. Ideal for lawns with a conscience, it thrives in sunny spots and easily handles foot traffic.

So, depending on your lawn’s personality, there’s a Florida-friendly grass type for each type of yard.

Speaking of…

Psst: You can browse our Lawnifesto for more info on each type of grass!

Picking Grass Based on Your Type of Lawn

The problem with picking out grass because it’s popular or “Florida-friendly” is that it doesn’t consider your yard’s structure.

Depending on your type of lawn, you might need Buffalo grass because your kids are running the backyard 15 hours a day.

But if your grass also has sandy soil, you’ll need Bahia grass, which doesn’t do well if your kids are constantly pounding its leaves.

Pretty frustrating, right?

Don’t worry; we’ve done (most) of the complicated decision-making for you!

Here’s the best (and worst) type of grass for your Tampa yard based on your type of lawn:

Shaded Lawns

Best type: St. Augustine Grass

- Heat Tolerance: High
- Humidity Adaptability: Moderate
- Disease Resistance: Moderate
- Drought Resistance: Moderate
- Shade Tolerance: Excellent
- Soil Adaptation: Well-draining soil is preferred.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Low
- Maintenance Needs: Moderate
- Recommended Mowing Height: 2.5 to 4 inches

Alternative: Zoysia Grass
Worst type: Bermuda, due to its limited shade tolerance and lower heat resistance.

Sunny Lawns

Best type: Bermuda Grass

- Heat Tolerance: Excellent
- Humidity Adaptability: High
- Disease Resistance: Good
- Drought Resistance: Excellent
- Shade Tolerance: Low
- Soil Adaptation: Adaptable to various soil types.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Excellent
- Maintenance Needs: Moderate to High
- Recommended Mowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches

Alternative: Buffalo Grass
Worst type: Bahia Grass, which struggles with extended sun exposure, limiting its suitability for full-sun conditions.

Sloped Yards

Best type: Zoysia Grass

- Heat Tolerance: High
- Humidity Adaptability: Moderate
- Disease Resistance: Moderate
- Drought Resistance: Good
- Shade Tolerance: Moderate
- Soil Adaptation: Well-draining soil is preferred.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
- Maintenance Needs: Low to Moderate
- Recommended Mowing Height: 1 to 2 inches

Alternative: Bahia Grass
Worst type: Centipede Grass, with lower resistance to foot traffic and potential soil erosion on inclines.

Sandy Soil Yards

Best type: Bahia Grass

- Heat Tolerance: Moderate
- Humidity Adaptability: Moderate
- Disease Resistance: Moderate
- Drought Resistance: Moderate
- Shade Tolerance: Low
- Soil Adaptation: Thrives in sandy, nutrient-poor conditions.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
- Maintenance Needs: Low
- Recommended Mowing Height: 2 to 3 inches

Alternative: Seashore Paspalum
Worst type: Zoysia Grass, with lower adaptation to nutrient-poor sandy conditions.

Clay Soil Yards

Best type: Centipede Grass

- Heat Tolerance: Moderate
- Humidity Adaptability: Moderate
- Disease Resistance: Good
- Drought Resistance: Good
- Shade Tolerance: Low
- Soil Adaptation: Handles compacted clay well.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
- Maintenance Needs: Low to Moderate
- Recommended Mowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches

Alternative: Bahiagrass
Worst type: Bermuda Grass, with challenges adapting to compacted clay.

High-Traffic Lawns