How Spring Hill Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Spring Hill maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Spring Hill falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Hernando County uses 'Specimen' (18-inch DBH or greater) and 'Majestic' (36-inch DBH or greater) classifications under Code § 10-23 rather than a stand-alone 'heritage tree' registry. Both classes must be preserved during land clearing unless the County Administrator makes one of three findings (hazard, infestation, or property damage). The statewide Florida Champion Tree Program is administered by the Florida Forest Service (FDACS) and recognizes the largest known specimen of each species. Champion status is a recognition; it does not add removal preemption.

Key details: County Term: 'Specimen' (18"+ DBH) / 'Majestic' (36"+ DBH). County Authority: Hernando County Code § 10-23 (Ch. 10, Art. II). Measurement: DBH at 4.5 ft (multi-trunk summed). State Program: Florida Champion Tree Program (FDACS). Champion Method: ISA point system — trunk + height + 1/4 spread.

Removal of a Specimen or Majestic tree without an administrator finding under § 10-23 — and without FS 163.045 documentation — can result in Code Enforcement citation, like-for-like replacement scaled to the DBH of the removed tree, and Code Enforcement Magistrate fines. Damaging a Florida Champion Tree carries no separate state penalty by itself, but Chapter 10 protection, FDEP wetland / mangrove rules, and § 10-22 Land Clearing Permit obligations still apply.

Tree Removal Permits

In unincorporated Spring Hill, Hernando County Code § 10-22 requires a Land Clearing Permit before clearing, and § 10-23 protects Specimen trees (18-inch DBH or greater) and Majestic trees (36-inch DBH or greater). Florida Statute 163.045 preempts the County permit on a single-family residential lot when the owner has on-site documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect — under ISA BMP Tree Risk Assessment (2nd Ed., 2017) — that the tree is dangerous. The County has published a 'Protected Tree Removal Exemption' guide explaining the FS 163.045 process.

Key details: Permit Trigger: § 10-22 — Land Clearing Permit required. Protected Classes: Specimen (18"+ DBH), Majestic (36"+ DBH). Removal Findings (§ 10-23): Hazard, infestation, or property damage. State Exemption: FS 163.045 — SFR lot + ISA arborist letter. Risk Standard: ISA BMP Tree Risk Assessment, 2nd Ed. (2017).

Clearing without a § 10-22 Land Clearing Permit is an unlawful act enforced by Code Enforcement with restoration, mandatory replacement under § 10-23, and Code Enforcement Magistrate fines under Chapter 2. Unauthorized removal of a Specimen or Majestic tree outside the FS 163.045 exemption — and without an administrator finding under § 10-23 — can trigger like-for-like mitigation scaled to the DBH of the removed tree. Failure to retain the ISA-certified arborist documentation can shift the burden back to the owner during inspection.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Removal of a Specimen (18-inch DBH or greater) or Majestic (36-inch DBH or greater) tree under Hernando County Code § 10-23, or removal of any required Chapter 10 landscape tree, generally triggers replacement. For commercial projects, § 10-23 requires a minimum of fifteen (15) trees per acre, including at least five (5) shade trees. Replacement is scaled to the DBH of the removed tree and inspected as a condition of permit closeout. FS 163.045-exempt hazardous-tree removals on single-family residential lots are NOT subject to County replacement requirements when proper ISA-certified arborist documentation is retained.

Key details: Authority: Hernando County Code Ch. 10 Art. II (§§ 10-22, 10-23, 10-26, 10-29). Commercial Minimum: 15 trees / acre (5 shade trees) — § 10-23. Majestic Threshold: DBH 36 inches or greater — must be preserved. Scaling: By DBH of removed tree. Preferred Species: Native / Florida-Friendly, USDA Zone 9a/9b.

Failure to install required replacement trees voids the underlying Land Clearing Permit under § 10-22 and blocks issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for new construction. Existing owners can be cited by Code Enforcement under Chapter 10 with mandatory installation and Code Enforcement Magistrate fines under Chapter 2. Replacement trees that die within the County's establishment period can shift replacement liability back to the owner.

Tree Ordinances

The tree and landscape code for unincorporated Spring Hill is Hernando County Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 — Community Appearance, Article II (Landscaping). Key sections: § 10-22 Land Clearing Permits, § 10-23 Tree Preservation (Specimen 18"+ DBH; Majestic 36"+ DBH), § 10-26 Vegetative Buffer Requirements, § 10-29 Residential Lot Landscaping. Florida Statute 163.045 preempts County tree-removal permits on single-family residential lots when an ISA-certified arborist documents the tree as dangerous. Mangroves are reserved to FDEP under FS 403.9321-403.9333. Hernando County has not been verified as a Tree City USA participant.

Key details: Primary Chapter: Hernando County Code Ch. 10 — Community Appearance. Key Sections: §§ 10-22, 10-23, 10-26, 10-29 (Art. II Landscaping). Protected Trees: Specimen (18"+ DBH), Majestic (36"+ DBH). Enforcement: Hernando County Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement Address: 789 Providence Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601.

Common Chapter 10 violations enforced in Spring Hill: (1) clearing land without a § 10-22 Land Clearing Permit — restoration order plus Magistrate fines; (2) removing a Specimen or Majestic tree without § 10-23 administrator finding (and without FS 163.045 documentation) — mandatory mitigation scaled to DBH; (3) failing to install required Article II landscape buffer or residential plantings — blocks Certificate of Occupancy; (4) using artificial turf in lieu of required live plant material in landscape buffers — plan-review denial; (5) failing to maintain grass / weeds below 18 inches within 100 feet of improved property — County abatement plus invoice plus lien.

The Bottom Line

Spring Hill's tree protection 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.

Keep in mind that Spring Hill can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.