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Hernando County, FL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit
Environmental Resource Permit (ERP)
Authority
Southwest Florida Water Mgmt District
Statute
Fla. Stat. §373.413
Rules
Fla. Admin. Code 62-330
Sensitivity
Karst springshed and aquifer

Summary

Building or altering a stormwater system in Hernando County requires an Environmental Resource Permit. Under Fla. Stat. §373.413, the Southwest Florida Water Management District permits systems so runoff does not harm the district's springs, aquifer, and Gulf waters.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hernando County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Except for the exemptions set forth herein, the governing board or the department may require such permits and impose such reasonable conditions as are necessary to assure that the construction or alteration of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works will comply with the provisions of this part and applicable rules promulgated thereto and will not be harmful to the water resources of the district.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Constructing or altering a stormwater management system in Hernando County triggers the Environmental Resource Permit program. The Southwest Florida Water Management District administers ERPs under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330, Florida Administrative Code. Because the county sits on karst limestone above the Floridan aquifer, runoff can move fast through sinkholes into the springshed feeding Weeki Wachee Springs, so systems must capture and treat runoff to meet water-quality and water-quantity standards before it reaches the springs, the aquifer, or the Gulf salt marshes. The county land development code adds drainage requirements on plats and subdivisions, and sites disturbing an acre or more also need federal NPDES coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a Hernando County project need a stormwater permit?
When it builds or alters a stormwater management system. The Southwest Florida Water Management District issues the Environmental Resource Permit under Fla. Stat. §373.413 and Chapter 62-330.
Why is stormwater treatment strict in Hernando County?
The county's karst geology lets runoff move quickly into sinkholes, the Floridan aquifer, and the Weeki Wachee springshed, so systems must treat water before it reaches those resources.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hernando County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions

All Hernando County rules

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