8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Hillsborough County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Hillsborough County Land Development Code requires grass and weeds on improved residential lots to be kept under 18 inches. Vacant parcels in platted subdivisions must also be maintained. Agricultural-zoned land in eastern county and Plant City is exempt when in active farming.
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.
F.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...
Residential tree removal on single-family parcels is preempted by FL 163.045 when documented by an arborist. Hillsborough County still regulates removal of grand trees, protected species, and trees on commercial, multifamily, and undeveloped parcels through the Land Development Code.
Hillsborough County prohibits accumulations of weeds, noxious vegetation, and invasive species over 18 inches on improved property under the nuisance provisions of Chapter 8. Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, and Australian pine are Category I invasives targeted for removal.
Hillsborough County falls within the Southwest Florida Water Management District SWFWMD Year-Round Water Conservation Measures. Residential irrigation is limited to one day per week in winter and two days per week in spring and summer based on house address, before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Hillsborough County and not subject to permit for residential rain barrels and cisterns under 250 gallons. The county and SWFWMD offer rebates for rain barrel installation. Larger cisterns require plumbing permits if connected to indoor use.
Hillsborough County follows the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program and FL 373.185, which protects a homeowner right to install native and drought-tolerant plants. HOAs and deed restrictions may not prohibit Florida-Friendly landscapes. The UF IFAS Extension office promotes native plant use.
Artificial turf is generally allowed on residential lots in unincorporated Hillsborough County subject to drainage, setback, and non-reflective surface standards. HOA approval is commonly required. New commercial landscapes must still meet pervious area minimums under the Land Development Code.
3 cities in Hillsborough County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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