Landscaping Rules in Hillsborough County, FL (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Hillsborough County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Hillsborough County tree trimming on residential single-family parcels is largely deregulated by FL 163.045, which preempts local permit and documentation requirements when a licensed arborist or landscape architect certifies the tree poses a danger. Commercial and grand tree rules still apply.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Few RestrictionsF.S. 163.045 — Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property
163.045 Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. — (1) For purposes of this section, the term: (a) "Documentation" means an onsite assessment performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a Flori...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Hillsborough County requires developers to preserve every tree 5+ inches in trunk diameter and every grand oak on a site, with a Natural Resources Permit needed to remove one and replacement required at up to 2:1 for large grand oaks.
Hillsborough County Tree Protection Rules
Some RestrictionsHillsborough County LDC § 4.01.06.A.2, A.3
The developer shall preserve all trees having a DBH of five inches or greater and native vegetation as described below... The developer shall preserve all trees identified as a grand oak unless authorized for removal by the Administrator.
Weed Ordinances
Hillsborough County caps weeds, grass and underbrush at ten inches within 200 feet of any building, structure, recreational area or street right-of-way, with exceptions for agricultural land and legally protected vegetation.
Hillsborough County Ten-Inch Weed and Grass Limit
Some RestrictionsSec. 8-116(b)
It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant of any premises, lot, plot or tract of land to allow, permit or maintain at any time upon any such premises, lot, plot or tract of land, any weeds, grass or underbrush of a height exceeding ten inches within 200 feet of any building, structure, recreational area or street right-of-way. Exceptions: (1) Agricultural properties ...
Water Restrictions
Hillsborough County limits lawn irrigation with potable, well or surface water to twice a week on set days by address ending number, within either a morning or evening window.
Hillsborough County Lawn Watering Days
Significant RestrictionsSec. 111-7.
Except as restricted in section (b)(2) referenced below, irrigation of existing lawns and landscaping using public supply potable water, domestic well water and surface water shall be limited to twice per week, as follows: a. At addresses ending in the number 0, 1, 2 or 3 on Mondays and/or Thursdays; b. At addresses ending in the number 4, 5 or 6,...
Native Plants
Hillsborough County requires new landscaping installed under a Landscaping Permit to draw at least half of its required trees from Florida native species, hybrids, or cultivars, part of the county's Florida-Friendly design standards for unincorporated development.
Hillsborough County Native Plant Landscaping Rule
Some RestrictionsHillsborough County LDC § 6.06.03.A.3
A minimum of 50 percent of the required trees shall be native species, or hybrids or cultivars of native species. 4. A minimum variety of tree species shall be provided as indicated below. Each species shall comprise a minimum of ten percent of the total number of trees required. Total No. of Trees Minimum No. of Species ...
Landscaping Rules by City in Hillsborough County
3 cities in Hillsborough County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Hillsborough County ordinances
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