Spring Hill, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Spring Hill residents share their environment with a remarkable density of regulated wildlife. The community sits at the intersection of central Florida's largest concentration of spring-fed rivers (Weeki Wachee, Chassahowitzka, Homosassa), the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, and the Withlacoochee State Forest - producing American alligators in every freshwater pond, drainage canal, retention basin, and golf-course water hazard in the community; documented Florida black bear range across the western and northern portions of Hernando County including occasional Spring Hill sightings; bald eagles nesting in mature longleaf pine stands and along the Weeki Wachee River corridor; sandhill cranes in the open grassland and golf-course areas (especially the Hernando Oaks, Silverthorn, and Glen Lakes neighborhoods); and West Indian manatees in the Weeki Wachee River and Mud River downstream. Florida's statewide wildlife-feeding prohibitions therefore have real teeth in Spring Hill. (1) ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES (FWC Rule 68A-25.002 implementing FS 379.413): It is unlawful for any person to intentionally feed, or entice with feed, any wild alligator or wild crocodile. Feeding includes throwing food in the water for fish in a way that attracts alligators. Violation is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. FWC strongly emphasizes that fed alligators lose their natural wariness of humans, become aggressive, and require euthanization by Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) trappers. To report a nuisance alligator (4 feet or larger and posing a threat) call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). (2) BLACK BEARS (FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3)): No person shall intentionally place food or garbage, allow the placement of food or garbage, or offer food or garbage in such a manner that it attracts black bears or Florida panthers and creates or contributes to a public nuisance. This includes intentionally leaving pet food outside, failing to secure garbage in bear-resistant containers in known bear range, and direct feeding. Violation is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 379.412. Hernando County has documented black bear activity especially in the western corridor (Aripeka, Hernando Beach) and around the Withlacoochee State Forest, with bear-conflict reports rising as Spring Hill extends west and east. (3) FLORIDA PANTHERS (FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3) and federal Endangered Species Act): The Florida panther is federally endangered and Florida-listed; intentional feeding is prohibited and is also a federal ESA violation. Panther presence in Hernando County is rare but documented. (4) SANDHILL CRANES (FWC Rule 68A-13.004): Florida-listed as Threatened; intentional feeding is prohibited because it leads to road mortality and human-conflict euthanasia. (5) BALD EAGLES (federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act + FWC Rule 68A-16.002): Disturbance and feeding are federally prohibited; nest-tree buffers apply within 660 feet of a known nest. Hernando County hosts multiple active eagle nests. (6) MANATEES (FS 379.2431 + federal Marine Mammal Protection Act): Feeding, harassing, or giving water to a manatee in the Weeki Wachee River or downstream waters is a federal offense (federal MMPA civil penalty up to $50,000). (7) RACCOONS, FOXES, COYOTES: Not directly prohibited by FWC rule, but intentional feeding that habituates predators or creates a sanitation nuisance can be cited by Hernando County Code Enforcement (352-754-4056) under the general nuisance and lot-maintenance provisions of the County Code. (8) BIRD FEEDERS: Songbird feeders are unregulated; best practice is to bring feeders inside at night during periods of active bear sightings west of Spring Hill or in the corridors near the Withlacoochee State Forest. Reporting: FWC Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or myfwc.com/wildlifealert.