Spring Hill's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Spring Hill, Florida, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Florida bans the intentional feeding of multiple wildlife species statewide, and Spring Hill - which sits adjacent to the Weeki Wachee Springs/Weeki Wachee River, Annutteliga Hammock, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge to the north, and the Withlacoochee State Forest to the east - is squarely inside the enforcement zone. FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3) prohibits the feeding of black bears and Florida panthers; FWC Rule 68A-25.002 prohibits the feeding of alligators and crocodiles; FWC Rule 68A-13.004 protects sandhill cranes; FWC Rule 68A-16.002 protects bald eagles. Violations are second-degree misdemeanors under FS 379.412 and are aggressively enforced by FWC Law Enforcement (888-404-FWCC). Bird feeders for songbirds are not regulated; intentional feeding of nuisance wildlife (raccoons, foxes) can be cited by Hernando County Code Enforcement under general nuisance provisions.

Key details: Alligator/Crocodile Feeding: PROHIBITED - 2nd-deg misdemeanor (FWC 68A-25.002 / FS 379.413). Black Bear Feeding: PROHIBITED - 2nd-deg misdemeanor (FWC 68A-4.001(3)). Florida Panther: Feeding prohibited - state + federal ESA. Sandhill Crane Feeding: PROHIBITED (FWC 68A-13.004 - state-threatened). Bald Eagle: Federal protection - 660 ft nest buffer (FWC 68A-16.002).

Intentionally feeding or enticing with feed any wild alligator or crocodile is a second-degree misdemeanor under FWC Rule 68A-25.002 / FS 379.413, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Intentionally placing food or garbage that attracts black bears or Florida panthers is a second-degree misdemeanor under FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3) / FS 379.412. Feeding sandhill cranes is prohibited under FWC Rule 68A-13.004. Disturbing or feeding bald eagles violates the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (criminal misdemeanor with $100,000 individual fine + 1 year imprisonment) and FWC Rule 68A-16.002. Manatee harassment or feeding in the Weeki Wachee River or downstream waters violates the federal MMPA (up to $50,000 civil penalty) and FS 379.2431. Killing or possessing a Florida panther violates federal ESA and FWC rules - significant federal felony exposure. Field enforcement by FWC Law Enforcement (888-404-FWCC); habituation feeding of raccoons, foxes, and coyotes may be cited by Hernando County Code Enforcement (352-754-4056) under general nuisance provisions of the County Code.

This is one of the stricter rules in Spring Hill's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Beekeeping

Backyard beekeeping is permissive in Spring Hill. Florida Statute 586.10 (as amended) preempts most local regulation of honey bee colonies that comply with FDACS Best Management Requirements - Hernando County may NOT enact ordinances that prohibit beekeeping or set inconsistent local rules. Florida Statute 586.04 separately requires every beekeeper to register their colonies with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Bureau of Plant and Apiary Inspection regardless of hive count, with annual renewal. Hernando County's Code Chapter 6 does not contain a beekeeping section that overrides the state framework, so FS 586 fully governs.

Key details: County Beekeeping Ordinance: None - FS 586 governs. State Preemption: FS 586.10 - local bans/inconsistent rules PROHIBITED. FDACS Registration: REQUIRED (FS 586.04) - 30 days of acquiring first colony. Registration Fee: ~$10/year for 1-5 hives (tiered). Lot-Size Colony Cap: 3 (<1/4 ac) - 6 (1/4-1/2 ac) - 10 (1/2-1 ac) - more on larger lots.

Operating an unregistered apiary in Spring Hill is a violation of FS 586.04 - a non-criminal infraction enforceable by FDACS Apiary Inspectors with civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Maintaining colonies that do not comply with the FDACS Best Management Requirements (Africanized hybrid stock, no flyway barrier within 15 feet of property line, no water source, exceeding the lot-size colony cap) loses the FS 586.10 preemption shield and can trigger an FDACS abatement order plus complaint-based action by Hernando County Code Enforcement under the County's general nuisance provisions. Africanized honey bee colonies must be requeened with European stock or destroyed within 30 days of detection. Hernando County itself cannot prohibit beekeeping or set hive-count caps lower than the state Best Management Requirements - any such local rule would be unenforceable under FS 586.10.

Spring Hill is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

Spring Hill is unincorporated, so the countywide Hernando County leash law in Section 6-24 of Chapter 6 (Animal Control) of the Hernando County Code governs. The owner of any dog must ensure the dog does not stray or run at large on any public street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or other public property, or on the private property of another - the dog may only be off the owner's premises if it is LEASHED and under DIRECT CONTROL. On the owner's own property, the dog must be supervised (within unobstructed sight of the owner and responsive to commands) or physically restrained by fencing or other means. Hernando County Sheriff's Office Animal Services (352-796-5062, 19450 Oliver Street, Brooksville) is the enforcement authority, and Florida state law (FS 828.30) requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months and older to be rabies vaccinated.

Key details: Governing Code: Hernando County Code Ch. 6, Sec. 6-24 (Restraint). Off-Property Restraint: Leash + direct control REQUIRED. On-Property Restraint: Owner supervision (unobstructed sight) OR fence/tether. Impound Authority: HCSO Animal Services may enter private property in active pursuit. Rabies Vaccination: Required for dogs/cats/ferrets 4+ months (FS 828.30).

Allowing a dog to run at large, walking a dog off-property without a leash, or failing to maintain direct control while leashed is a violation of Sec. 6-24 of Hernando County Code Chapter 6. Allowing a dog to be loose on the owner's property without supervision (unobstructed sight) or physical restraint (fence or tether) is a violation. Hernando County Sheriff's Office Animal Services (352-796-5062) officers may impound any animal witnessed at large, and may enter onto private property in active pursuit. Failure to rabies-vaccinate a dog/cat/ferret 4+ months old is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 828.30. Failure to obtain an annual Hernando County pet license is a Code violation. Civil penalties for at-large violations begin around $50-$75 for a first offense, escalating with repeat violations, plus impound and per-day boarding fees. Cruelty, severe neglect, or attacks may be referred to the State Attorney for criminal prosecution under FS 828.12 (animal cruelty) and FS 767 (dangerous dogs).

Breed Restrictions

Hernando County (and therefore Spring Hill) does NOT and CANNOT enact a breed-specific dog ban or breed-specific permit/insurance/muzzle requirement. Florida Statute 767.14 (originally adopted 1990 and substantially strengthened by SB 942 effective October 1, 2023) preempts any local government ordinance that regulates dogs based on breed - it expressly prohibits the adoption of breed-specific legislation and the SB 942 amendment closed the grandfather clause that had previously allowed Miami-Dade County's pre-1990 pit bull ban to remain in effect. Hernando County's dangerous-dog framework in Chapter 6, Article IV operates entirely on a CONDUCT basis under Florida Statute Chapter 767, with HCSO Animal Services investigating bite reports and the Hernando County Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Registry tracking classified dogs.

Key details: Hernando County BSL: None - prohibited by FS 767.14. State Preemption: FS 767.14 - breed-specific local laws PROHIBITED. Miami-Dade Grandfather: Closed by SB 942 of 2023 (effective Oct. 1, 2023). Dangerous Dog Code: Hernando County Code Ch. 6, Article IV. State Statute: FS Ch. 767 (FS 767.10 - 767.13).

There is no breed-specific permit, registration, muzzle, or insurance requirement in Spring Hill or unincorporated Hernando County to violate, because FS 767.14 prohibits Hernando County from enacting one. Once a dog has been formally classified as 'dangerous' by HCSO Animal Services under FS 767.11 and Hernando County Code Ch. 6 Art. IV, the owner must comply with FS 767.12's requirements (proper enclosure, warning signs at every entry, microchipping, sterilization, $100,000 liability insurance or surety bond, registration on the Hernando County Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Registry) within 14 days or face a $500 civil penalty and impoundment of the dog. A subsequent unprovoked attack by a classified dangerous dog causing severe injury is a third-degree felony under FS 767.13(2); an attack causing death triggers enhanced penalties under the 2023 amendments. Field investigation and enforcement is by HCSO Animal Services (352-796-5062) coordinating with HCSO patrol deputies and the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Spring Hill is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Exotic Pets

Florida regulates exotic and captive wildlife on a STATEWIDE basis through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under Florida Statute Chapter 379 and FWC rule Chapters 68A-6 and 68A-25. Animals are classified as Class I (lions, tigers, bears, leopards, cheetahs, gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, crocodiles - private ownership PROHIBITED), Class II (cougars, bobcats, servals, wolves, hyenas, alligators, large macaques - permit required, $140-$300 fee, 1,000 hours of documented experience, secure caging), and Class III (most other captive wildlife - free FWC permit required for non-exempt species). Hernando County Code Section 6-32 ('Wild animals') prohibits the keeping of wild animals as pets except in conformance with FWC rules, and the FWC Captive Wildlife Amnesty Day program accepts surrender of illegally held exotics without penalty.

Key details: Local Code: Hernando County Code Sec. 6-32 (Wild animals). Governing Framework: FS Ch. 379 + FWC Rules 68A-6 / 68A-25. Class I (Big Cats, Bears, Apes): Private ownership PROHIBITED - exhibitors only. Class II (Cougars, Bobcats, Servals, Wolves, Alligators): License + $140-$300 fee + 1,000 hr experience + bond. Class III (Most Other Wildlife): Free FWC permit required (unless exempt).

Possession of a Class I species (big cats, bears, great apes, baboons, etc.) by a private individual without an FWC Class I exhibitor license and USDA Animal Welfare Act license is prohibited and subject to first-degree misdemeanor penalties under FS 379.401, escalating to third-degree felony for repeat violations or aggravated circumstances; federal Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 penalties also apply for big cats. Possession of a Class II species without an FWC Class II license (proper caging, $10,000 bond, 1,000 hours experience, written critical-incident plan) is a first-degree misdemeanor. Possession of a Class III species that is not exempt without a no-cost FWC Class III permit is a non-criminal infraction with civil penalty. Possession of a Burmese python, reticulated python, or other Prohibited Species under FS 379.372 is a first-degree misdemeanor; release of any non-native species into the wild is a third-degree felony. Locally, Hernando County Code Sec. 6-32 (Wild animals) authorizes HCSO Animal Services (352-796-5062) to seize wild animals being kept out of conformance with FWC rules. Field enforcement is by FWC Law Enforcement (888-404-FWCC dispatch).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Spring Hill actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

Livestock

Spring Hill is unincorporated and zoning-controlled by Hernando County, so livestock-keeping turns on the County zoning category of the specific parcel. AGRICULTURAL-RESIDENTIAL (AR) zoning allows grazing livestock (horse, cattle, sheep, goat) at the rate of 1 mature animal plus offspring under 1 year per acre (acreage rounded UP), plus fowl and swine for personal consumption (kept 75 ft from adjoining property lines). AGRICULTURAL (AG) zoning allows broader grazing livestock, poultry, and swine. Standard RESIDENTIAL zoning (most of platted Spring Hill) does NOT allow grazing livestock - only the up-to-4-hen Backyard Chicken Program (Appendix A Art. V Sec. 4). The Florida Right to Farm Act (FS 823.14), substantially strengthened by HB 1601 of 2025 (effective July 1, 2025), protects bona fide agricultural operations on land classified as agricultural under FS 193.461 from public and private nuisance suits and from many local regulations.

Key details: Spring Hill Residential Lots: Standard residential zoning - NO grazing livestock. Hens: Up to 4 with permit under Backyard Chicken Program. Roosters: PROHIBITED. AR Zoning - Grazing Animals: 1 mature animal + offspring <1 yr per acre (rounded up). AR Zoning - Fowl/Swine: Personal consumption only, 75 ft from property line.

Keeping grazing livestock (horse, cattle, sheep, goat) on a Spring Hill RESIDENTIAL-zoned parcel (R-1, R-2, MFR, etc.) is a zoning violation under Hernando County Code Appendix A. Keeping more grazing animals than the AR 1-per-acre rate (rounded up) is a violation. Keeping fowl or swine within 75 feet of an adjoining property line on an AR parcel is a violation. Keeping poultry beyond the Backyard Chicken Program (more than 4 hens, roosters, geese, turkeys, peafowl, or any without an approved permit) on a residential lot is a violation. Hernando County Code Enforcement issues a Notice of Violation with a compliance deadline (typically 14-30 days); continued non-compliance is referred to the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate for daily civil penalties under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes (up to $250/day for first violation, $500/day for repeat violations), with possible impoundment of the animals by HCSO Animal Services. Bona fide agricultural operations on AG/AR parcels with FS 193.461 agricultural classification are protected from local-government nuisance suits and many regulations under FS 823.14 (Florida Right to Farm Act).

Chickens & Livestock

Spring Hill is an unincorporated Community Development Plan (CDP) in Hernando County, so countywide Hernando County rules govern. Hernando County's Backyard Chicken ordinance (adopted 2019, expanded in 2026 to include ducks; codified at Hernando County Code of Ordinances Appendix A, Article V, Section 4, paragraph B) allows up to FOUR (4) hens (no roosters) on a residentially zoned property with a Permit to Keep Backyard Chickens issued by the Hernando County Development Department. Eligibility requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 sq ft, written consent of immediately adjacent and rear neighbors, a coop located in the rear yard at least 25 feet from the nearest neighbor's residence and at least 5 feet from all property lines, an enclosed (non-free-range) run, and the coop screened from view from adjoining properties and the street. The permit runs 5 years for approximately $100. Apply through the Hernando County Development Department at 352-754-4050 ext. 29150.

Key details: Governing Code: Hernando County Code, Appendix A, Art. V, Sec. 4, paragraph B. Hens Allowed: Maximum 4 hens (2026 amendment also allows ducks). Roosters / Male Fowl: PROHIBITED. Minimum Lot Size: 10,000 sq ft. Coop Setback from Neighbor Residence: Minimum 25 ft.

Keeping chickens or other fowl on a Spring Hill residential property without an approved Hernando County Permit to Keep Backyard Chickens is a violation of Appendix A, Article V, Section 4 of the Hernando County Code. Keeping more than 4 hens, keeping a rooster or any male fowl, keeping ducks/geese/turkeys/peafowl outside the authorized hen/duck program, keeping fowl on a lot under 10,000 sq ft, violating the 25-foot coop setback from the nearest neighbor's residence, violating the 5-foot setback from property lines, locating the coop in the front yard, free-ranging the birds, or building a coop over 100 sq ft without a building permit, are all enforceable violations. Hernando County Code Enforcement issues a Notice of Violation with a compliance deadline (typically 14-30 days); continued non-compliance is referred to the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate for daily civil penalties under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes (up to $250/day for first violation, $500/day for repeat violations) and may include impoundment of the birds by Hernando County Animal Services. Hernando County Code Enforcement: 352-754-4056.

The Bottom Line

Spring Hill's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Spring Hill is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Spring Hill's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.