Special magistrate continues West Palm Beach turf case to March as state rules are finalized

A West Palm Beach homeowner who installed strips of artificial turf in his driveway won a continuance Wednesday as the city and the resident await final state rules on synthetic turf.

Special Magistrate Amity Barnard granted the continuance in CE25063712, resetting the case for March 4, 2026, after hearing extended argument over the new Florida law (Section 125.572) and draft DEP standards that will determine whether local ordinances can continue to restrict front-yard turf. The city and homeowner entered photographs, permit records and a copy of the statute and draft Florida Administrative Code material for the record.

The dispute centers on turf the owner, Raymond Massarella, installed in front and in side areas visible from the street. City code officer Tony Apicella told the magistrate the planning and permitting division denied a permit for turf between the driveway pavers because the City’s ordinance restricts artificial…