Spring Hill, FL Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Hernando County's livestock framework operates entirely through Appendix A (Zoning) of the County Code. Because Spring Hill is unincorporated, the zoning classification of each parcel determines what livestock is allowed. (1) AGRICULTURAL-RESIDENTIAL (AR) - allows grazing livestock (horse, cattle, sheep, goat) at the rate of ONE mature animal plus offspring less than 1 year of age PER ACRE, with acreage rounded UP (so a 1.5-acre AR parcel is permitted 2 grazing animals). AR also allows FOWL AND SWINE FOR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION (not for sale), provided they are kept SEVENTY-FIVE (75) FEET from any adjoining property line. (2) AGRICULTURAL (AG) - allows grazing livestock, poultry, and swine without the AR per-acre limits, but commercial operations require separate considerations. (3) STANDARD RESIDENTIAL ZONING (R-1, R-2, MFR, PDP residential, etc.) - which covers most of platted Spring Hill (the original Mackle/Deltona 1960s-70s subdivisions) - does NOT allow grazing livestock or general poultry/swine. The only farm-style animal authorized in standard residential zoning is the backyard hen (and as of February 2026, duck) program under Appendix A, Article V, Section 4, paragraph B - limited to 4 hens, no roosters, 10,000 sq ft minimum lot, 25 ft coop setback, neighbor consent, permit required. (4) THE FLORIDA RIGHT TO FARM ACT (FS 823.14) is the operative state preemption for bona fide agricultural operations. A bona fide agricultural operation that has been in operation for more than one year, on land classified as agricultural under FS 193.461 (the agricultural classification administered by the County Property Appraiser), and that conforms to FDACS Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAMPs), cannot be the subject of a public or private nuisance suit based on changed conditions in or around the locality. FS 823.14 was substantially strengthened by HB 1601 of 2025 (effective July 1, 2025), which added additional protections against local government regulation of bona fide agricultural operations. This protection applies to AG and AR parcels in Hernando County that are classified as agricultural under FS 193.461, NOT to standard residential lots inside platted Spring Hill. (5) POTBELLIED PIGS - the Hernando County Code does not contain a specific potbellied pig exemption in residential zoning, so they are generally treated as swine and are prohibited on standard residential lots; they would be allowed on AR or AG parcels subject to the 75-ft setback. (6) EQUINE - horses are allowed on AR parcels at the 1-per-acre rate and on AG parcels; horse facilities in eastern Hernando County around Brooksville and the Withlacoochee State Forest corridor are well-established. (7) ENFORCEMENT - Hernando County Code Enforcement (352-754-4056) handles zoning-violation livestock complaints; HCSO Animal Services (352-796-5062) handles welfare and stray-livestock impound. Spring Hill residents seeking to keep livestock should first call Hernando County Zoning at 352-754-4050 ext. 29105 to confirm the parcel's zoning category and acreage before acquiring animals.