Hernando County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Hernando County, FL, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- State preemption
- Fla. Stat. 163.045
- Residential permit
- Not required
- Needed
- Arborist risk documentation
- County permits
- Non-residential, development
Summary
Removing a tree on your Hernando County home is protected by Florida Statute 163.045: no local government may require a permit, fee, or mitigation to remove a residential tree once an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect documents that it poses an unacceptable risk.
A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.
Full Breakdown
Florida strongly preempts residential tree removal. Under Florida Statute 163.045, Hernando County and the City of Brooksville may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation to prune, trim, or remove a tree on residential property once the owner holds documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. The county's landscape and tree-protection rules still govern non-residential parcels, development sites, and the public right-of-way. Deed-restricted communities in Spring Hill may enforce their own tree covenants separately.
Violations & Fines
Residential removal backed by the required arborist documentation carries no county penalty. Removing a protected tree on a development or non-residential site without county approval brings stop orders, replacement, and fines. HOA covenants are enforced separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree at my house?
Does the county still regulate any tree removal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hernando County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hernando County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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