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Hernando County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

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

Key Facts

Home-lot pruning
No permit
State preemption
Fla. Stat. 163.045
Documentation
ISA-certified arborist
County rules
Development sites

Summary

Pruning or trimming a tree on your own Hernando County home draws no county permit. Florida Statute 163.045 goes further, barring any local government from requiring a permit, fee, or mitigation to prune, trim, or remove a residential tree once a certified arborist documents an unacceptable risk.

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.

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.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

On residential property across Spring Hill, Brooksville, and Weeki Wachee, routine pruning of your own trees is unregulated by the county. Florida preempts the rest: Florida Statute 163.045 stops any local government from requiring a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for pruning, trimming, or removing a tree on residential property when the owner holds documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk. Hernando County's landscape and tree provisions apply instead to development and non-residential sites. Trees in the public right-of-way stay under county control.

Violations & Fines

Residential pruning carries no county penalty. Removing or damaging a protected tree on a development or non-residential site without the required county approval brings code enforcement, replacement demands, and fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to trim my own trees?
No. Pruning trees on your Hernando County home is unregulated, and Florida Statute 163.045 blocks local permit or fee requirements for residential tree work backed by an arborist report.
Who handles a tree in the right-of-way?
The county, not the resident. Trees in the public right-of-way stay under Hernando County control even where the adjacent owner mows the strip.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hernando County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsNative PlantsFew RestrictionsArtificial TurfSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesFew 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

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hernando County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview

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