Spring Hill, FL Environmental Rules: Mangrove Protection (2026)

The 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act (FS 403.9321 through 403.9333) preempts local mangrove regulation in Florida and vests authority in FDEP. The Act protects three species: red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Under FS 403.9326 the Act distinguishes 'trimming' (which preserves the plant) from 'alteration' (removal, defoliation, or destruction). Delegation under FS 403.9324 allows qualified local governments to administer the program — but FDEP's current list of delegated local governments includes only Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, the Town of Jupiter Island, and the City of Sanibel. Hernando County is NOT delegated, so all mangrove permits for Spring Hill / Hernando County properties (concentrated on the Gulf coast at Aripeka, Bayport, Pine Island, and the Hernando Beach canal system; sparse in inland Spring Hill) are issued by FDEP — primarily through the FDEP Southwest District. Limited homeowner trimming exemptions are codified at FS 403.9326(2): a residential property owner may trim a riparian mangrove fringe without a permit only if (a) the fringe is no more than 10 feet in height, (b) the trim does not reduce any mangrove below 6 feet, and (c) no defoliation occurs. Mangroves more than 10 feet tall, mangroves outside a riparian fringe, mangroves in a wetland forested area, and mangroves on any non-residential property require a permit issued by FDEP or work performed by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) registered with FDEP under FS 403.9329. Removal or 'alteration' of any mangrove (regardless of size) requires a permit and typically requires mitigation through replanting at a ratio set by FDEP. Florida Statutes 403.9332 sets civil penalties of up to $250 per mangrove for unpermitted work, with criminal misdemeanor liability under FS 403.9333.