Spring Hill, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

FS 373.185(2) defines Florida-Friendly Landscaping as 'quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant.' Subsection (3) provides: 'A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping, as defined in s. 373.185, on his or her land.' The same protection extends to local governments by the policy declarations in FS 373.185(1). UF/IFAS publishes the nine FFL principles (right plant/right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, mulch, attract wildlife, manage yard pests responsibly, recycle yard waste, reduce stormwater runoff, protect the waterfront). Hernando County's Chapter 10 landscaping requirements emphasize live trees and native species and do not impose a turf-grass primary-cover mandate that would conflict with FS 373.185. Owners can convert turf to native or drought-tolerant species without a County landscape permit, provided they still meet the 18-inch height standard for grass and weeds within 100 feet of improved property.