Florida Sod Varieties for Sarasota & Charlotte Counties
Choosing the right grass is one of the most important decisions when installing a new Florida lawn. Sun exposure, irrigation, maintenance, appearance, property use, and budget can all affect which sod variety makes the most sense for your property.
Venice Sod offers four popular Florida sod varieties: Bahia, Floratam St. Augustine, Bitter Blue St. Augustine, and ProVista St. Augustine.
Compare the options below, then use our Sod Calculator to estimate how many pallets you need.
Compare Our Florida Sod Varieties
Each grass has different characteristics. Rather than choosing based only on price or appearance, consider how the lawn will actually be used and maintained.
| Sod Variety | Type | Price | Appearance | Good Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahia | Bahia Grass | $225 / pallet | Natural, open Florida turf | Budget-conscious properties and lower long-term irrigation demands |
| Floratam | St. Augustine | $325 / pallet | Broad-bladed, traditional green lawn | Sunny residential Florida lawns |
| Bitter Blue | St. Augustine | $425 / pallet | Dense, attractive blue-green turf | Homeowners wanting a premium lawn appearance |
| ProVista | St. Augustine | See current pricing | Dense, refined St. Augustine appearance | Premium lawns and reduced vertical growth |
All Venice Sod pallets cover approximately 400 square feet. A $10 pallet fee applies. Delivery and installation are additional.
Explore Our Sod Varieties
Bahia Sod
Bahia is a practical and economical Florida grass commonly used where homeowners want a durable lawn without the appearance or maintenance expectations of premium St. Augustine turf.
Once properly established, Bahia generally has good drought tolerance and lower long-term irrigation demands than St. Augustine grasses.
- Coverage: Approximately 400 sq. ft. per pallet
- Grass Type: Bahia
- Appearance: Natural Florida turf
- Water Needs: Lower after establishment
- Positioning: Economical / practical
New Bahia sod still requires proper watering while its root system becomes established.
Floratam St. Augustine Sod
Floratam is one of the most recognizable grasses used throughout Florida. Its broad blades and traditional green appearance create the classic Florida lawn many homeowners are looking for.
It is commonly selected for sunny residential properties with an appropriate irrigation system and regular lawn maintenance.
- Coverage: Approximately 400 sq. ft. per pallet
- Grass Type: St. Augustine
- Appearance: Broad-bladed, traditional Florida lawn
- Sun: Well suited to sunny areas
- Positioning: Popular mid-range option
Bitter Blue St. Augustine Sod
Bitter Blue is a premium St. Augustine variety known for its attractive blue-green color and dense turf appearance.
It's a strong option for homeowners who are investing in the finished appearance of their lawn and prefer a rich, established-looking turf.
- Coverage: Approximately 400 sq. ft. per pallet
- Grass Type: St. Augustine
- Appearance: Dense, blue-green turf
- Positioning: Premium
- Popular For: Residential lawn upgrades
ProVista St. Augustine Sod
ProVista is an improved St. Augustine variety designed to provide dense turf with strong lateral growth and reduced vertical growth compared with traditional Floratam.
For homeowners comparing premium Florida lawns, ProVista provides another option beyond traditional St. Augustine varieties.
- Coverage: Approximately 400 sq. ft. per pallet
- Grass Type: St. Augustine
- Growth: Strong lateral spreading
- Vertical Growth: Reduced compared with traditional Floratam
- Positioning: Premium / improved variety
Which Sod Is Right for Your Lawn?
The right sod depends on your property. Two homes on the same street can benefit from different grass varieties because of irrigation, sunlight, landscaping, maintenance preferences, lawn use, and budget.
Want to Keep Cost Down?
Start by looking at Bahia sod. At $225 per pallet, it is our most economical listed option.
Want the Classic Florida Lawn?
Floratam St. Augustine delivers the broad-bladed green appearance commonly seen throughout Florida.
Want a Premium Appearance?
Consider Bitter Blue for its dense appearance and distinctive blue-green color.
Want Improved St. Augustine?
Consider ProVista for dense lateral growth and reduced vertical growth compared with traditional Floratam.
How Much Sod Do You Need?
Every Venice Sod pallet covers approximately 400 square feet.
800 Sq. Ft.
≈ 2 Pallets
1,200 Sq. Ft.
≈ 3 Pallets
2,000 Sq. Ft.
≈ 5 Pallets
4,000 Sq. Ft.
≈ 10 Pallets
Actual quantities can vary because of curves, cuts, landscape beds, walkways, trees, and irregular lawn areas. Learn more in our sod pallet coverage guide.
Delivery, Installation or Complete Lawn Replacement
Once you've chosen the right sod variety, Venice Sod can help with everything from pallet delivery to complete lawn replacement.
Sod Delivery
Installing it yourself or already have a landscaper? We can deliver fresh pallets directly to your property.
Sod Installation
Have Venice Sod professionally install fresh sod on your prepared residential, commercial, or new-construction property.
Sod Removal & Replacement
If your current lawn needs to come out first, our lawn replacement service can address removal and preparation before fresh sod is installed.
Fresh Florida Sod Throughout Sarasota & Charlotte Counties
Venice Sod supplies fresh Florida sod throughout Sarasota and Charlotte counties, including:
We offer fresh sod delivery as well as professional sod installation throughout our service area.
Before You Order Sod
Measure Your Lawn
Measure the square footage of the areas receiving sod, then use our Sod Calculator to estimate your pallet quantity.
Prepare the Property
New sod establishes best when it can make direct contact with properly prepared soil. Read our Florida yard preparation guide.
Replacing Existing Grass?
If you already have grass, learn why proper removal and preparation matter in our guide: Can You Lay New Sod Over Existing Grass?
Florida Sod Variety FAQs
What types of sod does Venice Sod sell?
Venice Sod offers Bahia, Floratam St. Augustine, Bitter Blue St. Augustine, and ProVista St. Augustine sod.
How much does a pallet of sod cover?
Our sod pallets cover approximately 400 square feet. Use our Sod Calculator to estimate how many pallets you may need.
What is the cheapest sod variety?
Of the varieties currently listed by Venice Sod, Bahia has the lowest listed pallet price at $225 per pallet.
What is the difference between Floratam, Bitter Blue and ProVista?
All three are St. Augustine grasses, but they have different characteristics. Floratam provides the familiar broad-bladed Florida lawn appearance. Bitter Blue is known for its dense blue-green appearance. ProVista offers dense lateral growth with reduced vertical growth compared with traditional Floratam.
Does Bahia sod need irrigation?
New Bahia sod still requires adequate watering during establishment. Once established, Bahia is valued for its drought tolerance and generally lower long-term irrigation demands compared with St. Augustine grasses.
Do you deliver all four sod varieties?
Available varieties can be ordered for sod delivery within our Sarasota and Charlotte County service area, subject to current availability.
Can Venice Sod install the sod for me?
Yes. Learn more about our professional sod installation service. If an existing lawn also needs to be removed, see our sod removal and replacement service.
Learn More Before Choosing Your Sod
Best Grass for Sarasota, Florida
Compare grass types and the characteristics that matter for Southwest Florida properties.
How Much Does a Pallet of Sod Cost?
See current sod pallet prices and understand the other costs that can affect a project.
How Many Pallets Do I Need?
Learn how 400-square-foot pallet coverage translates into an actual lawn order.
How Do I Prepare for Sod?
Learn about removal, grading, irrigation, preparation, and scheduling before your sod arrives.
Find the Right Sod for Your Florida Lawn
Compare Bahia, Floratam, Bitter Blue, and ProVista, calculate how much sod your lawn needs, and order fresh Florida sod for delivery or professional installation throughout Sarasota and Charlotte counties.