8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Pasco County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Pasco County Code Compliance enforces property maintenance standards in unincorporated areas. Complaints require an identified complainant (name and address) under FL §125.69/162.21 unless the violation presents an imminent threat. Anonymous complaints are only accepted for imminent safety threats.
Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance (LDC Section 802) regulates tree trimming and removal. Mitigation fees are $75 per inch of trunk diameter for standard trees and $150 per inch for heritage trees. Heritage trees include live oaks 34"+ diameter, Southern magnolias 24"+, and palms.
Tree removal in unincorporated Pasco County is governed by LDC Section 802 (Tree Preservation). Standard mitigation is $75 per inch of trunk diameter. Heritage trees cost $150 per inch. The Tree Mitigation Fund supports tree planting on county land, affordable housing, schools, and other public purposes.
Pasco County Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 enforces weed and overgrown vegetation abatement. Invasive species (Brazilian pepper, cogongrass, air potato) are active management concerns, especially in the Green Swamp and riparian zones of Pasco.
Pasco County enforces SWFWMD water restrictions under Ordinance Ch. 62, Art. II, Div. 3. Currently under a Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order through July 2026, lawn irrigation is limited to one day per week. Watering hours: 6 PM–8 AM (potable/well), midnight–8 AM (reclaimed). HOAs cannot enforce deed restrictions requiring increased water use during shortage orders.
SWFWMD Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order (April 3, 2026 - July 1, 2026)
Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions Begin April 3. The District's Modified Phase III one-day-per-week water shortage restrictions are in effect April 3, 2026, through July 1, 2026. The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; ...
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Pasco County. Florida has no state-level restrictions. SWFWMD offers rebates through the WaterMatters program. HOAs cannot ban Florida-friendly landscaping per FL §373.185.
Pasco County encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping under FL §373.185, which prohibits HOAs and local governments from preventing property owners from using drought-tolerant native plants. SWFWMD rebates support water-wise yards.
Fla. Stat. § 373.185 (Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances)
F.S. 373.185 Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances. (1) As used in this section, the term: (a) "Local government" means any county or municipality of the state. (b) "Florida-friendly landscaping" means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right...
Pasco County generally permits artificial turf on residential properties. FL §720.3075 and §373.185 limit HOA restrictions on water-conserving landscape, which may include synthetic turf. Drainage and heat-island considerations apply.
Fla. Stat. § 720.3075 (Prohibited clauses in HOA documents)
F.S. 720.3075 Prohibited clauses in association documents. (4)(a) The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state's water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners' associations and local governments is essential to the state's efforts in water c...
3 cities in Pasco County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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