New Year, New Contract: Writing Landscape Contracts That Deliver Results

About this event

A hands-on workshop for Board Members, Landscape Committees, and Community Association Managers

A beautiful, healthy landscape doesn’t happen by chance—it starts with a well-written contract.

Many HOA landscape contracts rely on general language such as “trim shrubs,” “keep common areas attractive,” or “irrigate as needed.” While these phrases may seem straightforward, vague language leads to inconsistent maintenance, misunderstandings with contractors, recurring costs, and landscapes that fall short of community expectations.

New Year, New Contract is an interactive "lunch and learn" workshop designed to help leaders in managed communities and HOA homeowners who hire their own contractors to strengthen their landscape maintenance contracts using science-based best management practices and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.

Not a traditional seminar, this is a working session, with lunch provided! Participants are encouraged to bring their current landscape maintenance contracts, guidelines, or requests for proposals (RFPs). Working alongside UF/IFAS Extension specialists and Florida-Friendly Landscaping professionals, you’ll compare your documents with model contract language, identify opportunities for improvement, and begin building a stronger contract for your next bidding cycle.

In this this workshop, you’ll learn how to:

• Distinguish between a scope of work and detailed maintenance specifications

• Write clearer expectations for pruning, mowing, irrigation, tree care, mulching, pest management, and plant replacement

• Incorporate Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and best management practices into maintenance contracts

• Evaluate landscape proposals based on quality and qualifications—not just price

• Ask the right questions when meeting contractors before signing a contract

• Build objective performance standards that reduce misunderstandings and improve contractor accountability

Interactive Workshop Activities

• Bring your current landscape contract for review

• Compare your contract with model specifications and recommended language

• Work through common contract pitfalls with UF/IFAS specialists

• Participate in a bid evaluation exercise using real-world examples

• Leave with practical edits and ideas you can take back to your board

Who Should Attend?

• HOA Board Members

• Landscape Committee Members

• Community Association Managers (CAMs)

• Property Managers

• Anyone involved in selecting or overseeing landscape contractors

What You’ll Receive

Landscape Contract Review Checklist

• Model Landscape Maintenance Specifications

• Landscape Contractor Evaluation Scorecard

• Bid Evaluation Worksheet

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ resources

• UF/IFAS publications and reference materials

Whether your community is preparing for a contract renewal, developing a request for proposals, or simply looking to improve communication with your landscape contractor, this workshop will provide practical tools to help your community get better long-term results from its landscape investment.

SPACE IS LIMITED - Register today to secure your spot!

Bring your current landscape contract (if available), along with any maintenance specifications, bid documents, or RFPs. Participants who do not have a current contract are still encouraged to attend and will receive sample documents to work from.

Questions?

NOTE: Classes and events may be canceled at any time due to low registration or other circumstances, with full refunds issued for paid events. Similar classes or events often are offered on future dates.

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Type: Take a Class

Topic: Nature, Water

Organization name: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-year-new-contract-writing-landscape-contracts-that-deliver-results-registration-1996307169483