Tree Protection in Spring Hill, FL (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Spring Hill, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Spring Hill Tree Removal Permits — Hernando County Ch. 10 + FS 163.045
Some RestrictionsHeritage & 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.
Heritage & Majestic Trees in Spring Hill — Hernando County § 10-23 + FDACS Champion Tree
Some RestrictionsTree 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.
Spring Hill Tree Replacement — Hernando County Chapter 10 Article II
Some RestrictionsTree 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.
Spring Hill Tree Code Overview — Hernando County Chapter 10 (Community Appearance)
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hernando County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Spring Hill city rules.
Tree Protection in Hernando County →