River Ridge, FL

Pasco County generally permits artificial turf on residential properties. FL §720.3075 and §373.185 limit HOA restrictions on water-conserving landscape, which may include synthetic turf. Drainage and heat-island considerations apply.

Pasco County encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping under FL §373.185, which prohibits HOAs and local governments from preventing property owners from using drought-tolerant native plants. SWFWMD rebates support water-wise yards.

Pasco County Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 enforces weed and overgrown vegetation abatement. Invasive species (Brazilian pepper, cogongrass, air potato) are active management concerns, especially in the Green Swamp and riparian zones of Pasco.

Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Pasco County. Florida has no state-level restrictions. SWFWMD offers rebates through the WaterMatters program. HOAs cannot ban Florida-friendly landscaping per FL §373.185.

Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance (LDC Section 802) regulates tree trimming and removal. Mitigation fees are $75 per inch of trunk diameter for standard trees and $150 per inch for heritage trees. Heritage trees include live oaks 34"+ diameter, Southern magnolias 24"+, and palms.

Tree removal in unincorporated Pasco County is governed by LDC Section 802 (Tree Preservation). Standard mitigation is $75 per inch of trunk diameter. Heritage trees cost $150 per inch. The Tree Mitigation Fund supports tree planting on county land, affordable housing, schools, and other public purposes.

Pasco County Code Compliance enforces property maintenance standards in unincorporated areas. Complaints require an identified complainant (name and address) under FL §125.69/162.21 unless the violation presents an imminent threat. Anonymous complaints are only accepted for imminent safety threats.

Pasco County enforces SWFWMD water restrictions under Ordinance Ch. 62, Art. II, Div. 3. Currently under a Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order through July 2026, lawn irrigation is limited to one day per week. Watering hours: 6 PM–8 AM (potable/well), midnight–8 AM (reclaimed). HOAs cannot enforce deed restrictions requiring increased water use during shortage orders.

Pasco County has no leaf blower-specific ordinance. General noise rules under Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 apply. Gas blowers are permitted year-round outside quiet hours, with heavy landscaping activity in Wesley Chapel master-planned communities and New Port Richey.

Pasco County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. FL §877.03 applies to unreasonable disturbances.

Pasco County quiet hours are 10 PM-7 AM, with residential noise capped at 55 dBA at the property line and 40 dBA inside a neighboring multifamily unit (Code Ch. 66, Art. IV, Div. 2, §66-91 to §66-97). Construction is banned 10 PM-7 AM weekdays/Saturdays and all day Sunday.

Pasco County Code §66-97 specifically regulates construction noise. No construction activities are permitted between 10 PM and 7 AM Monday through Saturday, and all day Sunday, that produce noise exceeding 55 dBA measured at the nearest property line of an adjacent residential area. Power-driven construction equipment must have functioning mufflers.

Barking dogs in unincorporated Pasco County fall under Chapter 14 (Animals) and the general noise ordinance (Chapter 66). Section 14-98 prohibits animals that unreasonably annoy humans or substantially interfere with the enjoyment of life or property. Pasco County Animal Services handles enforcement.

Pasco County prohibits abandoned, wrecked, or inoperable vehicles on public or private property. Vehicles without current registration or left 72+ hours on public ROW may be tagged, towed, and disposed of under FL §715.05 and county code.

Pasco County unincorporated areas generally permit overnight on-street parking on residential roads, though vehicles must not obstruct traffic, sightlines, or emergency access. No countywide 2 AM to 6 AM ban applies.

Pasco County permits residential and commercial EV charging installations via standard electrical permits. FL §163.04 prohibits HOAs from banning EV chargers. Florida Building Code governs station placement and ADA access.

Pasco County prohibits commercial vehicle and equipment parking in Master Planned Unit Developments (MPUDs) under LDC §530.16 (Amendment 80) unless the vehicle operates a lawful business within the MPUD or is stored inside an enclosed structure. Contractors and service providers actively working are exempt.

Pasco County manages parking in unincorporated areas. The county recently expanded RV/boat parking restrictions to prohibit parking or storage in any right-of-way countywide (LDC §530.5, Amendment 80, effective November 2025). This includes streets, sidewalks, and grassy or paved areas adjacent to roads.

Pasco County requires all vehicles to be registered and operational unless stored in a fully enclosed structure. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces. Non-operative vehicles visible from the street are a code violation.

Pasco County prohibits all RV parking in the right-of-way countywide under LDC §530.5 (Amendment 80). RVs may be stored on the side or rear of a residence if screened by a 6-foot fence or adequate vegetation. RVs include motorhomes, camping trailers, fifth-wheels, boats, jet-skis, and utility trailers. Fines up to $500/day after the educational period ends February 2026.

Pasco County requires building permits for carports. Florida Building Code wind-load requirements (130+ mph) apply. LDC setbacks and lot coverage limits vary by zoning district.

Pasco County regulates tiny homes on foundations as dwellings under the Florida Building Code (with Appendix Q for homes under 400 sq ft). Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are treated as RVs and limited to RV parks under LDC.

Sheds in unincorporated Pasco County under 150 sq ft do not require a building permit but must have tie-downs installed and meet required setbacks. Larger sheds require permits. All accessory structures must comply with the LDC supplemental regulations.

Pasco County adopted ADU regulations under LDC Section 530.24 (Ordinance 25-22, effective April 11, 2025). ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft but must be smaller than the main house. Owner occupancy is not required. Mobile homes cannot serve as ADUs. Vacation/short-term rentals in ADUs are prohibited unless permitted under LDC §402.5.B.

Garage conversions in Pasco County are now explicitly addressed under ADU regulations (LDC §530.24). A garage conversion creating a separate living space qualifies as an ADU and must meet all ADU requirements including the 1,200 sq ft maximum. Building permits and Florida Building Code compliance are required.

Pasco County may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning. FL right-to-farm law protects ag uses.

Florida law prohibits feeding alligators, bears, sandhill cranes, and foxes under FL §379.412 and FWC rules. Pasco County enforces state wildlife feeding bans; intentional feeding of alligators is a 2nd degree misdemeanor.

Beekeeping is permitted in unincorporated Pasco County under Florida state preemption (FL §586). Beekeepers must register with FDACS and follow Best Management Practices. Up to 3 colonies on lots of one-quarter acre or less. Grazing animals require AR or ER zoning and minimum one acre.

Pasco County requires dogs to be leashed or under control when off the owner's property. Chapter 14 mandates annual licensing for dogs and cats four months of age or older. Tethering dogs on chains without direct human supervision is prohibited. Two-point restraint or crate required for dogs in pickup truck beds.

Exotic pet ownership in Pasco County is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Class I wildlife is prohibited, Class II requires permits, Class III needs a no-cost license. Pasco County also requires AR or ER zoning for grazing animals (3 per acre, 1 swine per acre).

Pasco County cannot enforce breed-specific legislation. Florida Statute §767.14 preempts all local breed-specific dog regulations statewide. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under FL §767.01-767.04.

Pasco STR occupancy limits are set by the Florida Building Code and Pasco's vacation rental ordinance (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2). F.S. §509.032(7)(b) preempts Pasco from banning STRs but allows reasonable occupancy and noise standards applied uniformly to all rentals.

Pasco County does not mandate short-term rental liability insurance. FL §509.032(7) preempts vacation rental regulation, leaving insurance requirements primarily to platforms, HOAs, and hosts' own underwriters rather than county ordinance.

Pasco County levies a 5% Tourist Development Tax on all transient rentals (Ordinance 22-15, effective June 2022). Combined with Florida's 6% sales tax and 1% county surtax, the total tax rate is approximately 12%. Tax is collected by the Pasco County Tax Collector since October 2019 (Ordinance 19-23).

Pasco County requires a Conditional Use permit from the Planning Director for vacation rentals under Ordinance 99-21 and LDC Section 402.5.B. Annual registration with the Growth Management/Zoning Department is mandatory. Operators must also obtain a DBPR license and Pasco County business tax receipt.

Short-term rental noise in unincorporated Pasco County is governed by the general noise ordinance (Chapter 66, Division 2). The Conditional Use permit process may include additional noise conditions. STR operators and owners are jointly responsible for guest compliance.

Pasco County's Conditional Use permit for vacation rentals requires designated parking for renters and prohibits RV parking on-site or in the right-of-way. The expanded county RV parking rules (LDC §530.5, effective Nov 2025) prohibit all RV parking in the right-of-way countywide.

Florida does not use California-style wildfire hazard zones, but Pasco County has significant wildland-urban interface risk. Florida Forest Service issues burn bans during drought, and Firewise USA defensible space practices are recommended rather than mandated in most of the county.

Pasco County fire code requires vegetation management around structures, especially in wildland-urban interface areas of east Pasco (Dade City, San Antonio, Zephyrhills). Florida Forest Service oversees wildfire response during the October-May dry season.

Fireworks in Pasco County are governed by Florida Statute Chapter 791. FL HB 1059 (2020) legalized consumer fireworks on July 4th, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Counties cannot ban fireworks on designated holidays.

Outdoor burning in unincorporated Pasco County is regulated by the Florida Forest Service (FL Admin Code 5I-2) and FL FS Chapter 590. Agricultural burns require authorization from the Florida Department of Agriculture. Eastern Pasco's rural areas have more burning activity. Recreational fires in contained devices are permitted under state rules.

Recreational fire pits in unincorporated Pasco County must comply with Florida Fire Prevention Code (FL FS §633). Fires must be contained in approved devices and maintained at safe distances from structures. Recreational burning of vegetative debris and untreated wood is permitted under state rules.

Pasco County requires building permits for retaining walls over 3 feet in height or walls retaining surcharge loads. Engineered plans by a Florida-licensed PE required over 4 feet per Florida Building Code.

Pasco County enforces the FL Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). All residential pools must have a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates or an approved alternative such as pool alarms or child-safe covers.

Pasco County Land Development Code permits wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, masonry, and chain-link fences in residential zones. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential areas. Hurricane exposure makes wind-rated installation important for coastal Gulf-side properties.

Pasco County Land Development Code limits residential fences to 4 feet in areas that must not obstruct vision (within 15 feet of rear property lines or mean high-water lines). Side yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Business district fences for certain uses must be at least 8 feet.

Fence permits in Pasco County depend on construction type. Standard fences generally do not require a permit unless supported by masonry columns (brick, block, concrete). All fences must meet setback requirements. Check with Development Code Review (727-847-8142) for property-specific requirements.

Pasco County follows Florida's spite fence statute (FL §823.11). There is no shared-cost requirement under Florida law. Fences must be built on the property owner's land. The county's vision triangle requirements protect sight lines at intersections.

Pasco County permits cottage food operations under FL §500.80, which preempts local permits. Home-produced shelf-stable foods up to $250,000 annual sales may be sold direct-to-consumer with proper labeling.

Home daycare in Pasco County is regulated by DCF under FL §402.313. Family day care homes serving up to 10 children must register or be licensed. Local zoning permits home daycare in residential districts with conditions.

Home occupations in Pasco County must not detract from the residential character of the area. The distinction between minor and major home occupations partly depends on traffic impact. Florida's preemption allows customer visits but the business must remain secondary to residential use.

Home occupations in unincorporated Pasco County are governed by LDC Section 530.21. The code distinguishes between minor and major home occupations. Minor home occupations are permitted as-of-right in residential zoning districts. Major home occupations require a conditional/special exception use approval. Florida's preemption (FL §559.955) broadly authorizes home-based businesses.

Home business signage in unincorporated Pasco County must comply with the LDC sign regulations for residential districts. Signs may not exceed specified size limits. Florida's home-based business preemption (FL §559.955) prohibits visible external evidence of business activity from the street.

Pasco County food trucks need a Florida DBPR mobile food dispensing vehicle license (or DOACS for packaged foods) plus Pasco County business tax receipt. FL §509.102 preempts most local permit mandates but location and zoning rules still apply.

Pasco County restricts food truck operations by zoning district. FL §509.102 blocks local 'mobile vendor' permits but counties still control where trucks park. Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, and Trinity commercial parking lots are common host sites.

Pasco County requires erosion and sediment control BMPs on all land-disturbing activities per LDC Chapter 900 and state NPDES CGP (FDEP). Silt fence, stabilized construction entrances, and inlet protection required; sites over 1 acre need a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Pasco County enforces strict stormwater management under LDC Chapter 900 and SWFWMD ERP rules. New development requires on-site retention/detention sized for 25-year/24-hour storm with no net increase in peak runoff. MS4 permit (FDEP) governs illicit discharges.

Pasco's Gulf coast (Hudson, Aripeka, Gulf Harbors) is subject to the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) under F.S. Ch. 161, FEMA V/VE zones, and LDC Coastal High Hazard Area rules. Seaward construction needs FDEP CCCL permit; Anclote River and Gulf shoreline face habitat and mangrove (F.S. Ch. 403.9321) protections.

Pasco County requires a site development permit for grading/filling per LDC Chapter 900. Drainage cannot be diverted onto neighbors (common-law nuisance plus code violation). Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineered design and a building permit per Florida Building Code.

Pasco County has extensive flood zones along the Gulf Coast, Anclote River, and Pithlachascotee River. During Hurricane Milton (2024), the Anclote River crested at 26.57 feet, causing historic flooding officials called a '200-year flood event.' FEMA zones AE, A, AH, AO, and VE/V designate Special Flood Hazard Areas with mandatory flood insurance.

Pasco County generally permits residential holiday decorations without permits. Displays must not block sidewalks, traffic sight lines, or create fire/electrical hazards. Inflatables should be secured for hurricane-zone wind. HOA CC&Rs may impose stricter date and style limits.

Pasco County permits small temporary garage sale signs (typically 4-6 sq ft) on private property only. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, or in the public right-of-way are prohibited under LDC Ch. 504 and removed without notice. Must be taken down within 24 hours after sale.

Pasco County LDC Ch. 504 allows temporary political signs on private property (typically up to 6 sq ft residential, 32 sq ft non-residential). Signs in public right-of-way prohibited. Content-neutral regulation required per Reed v. Gilbert (2015). Signs must be removed within 7 days after election.

Pasco County requires a building and electrical permit for residential solar PV installations through Pasco Building Construction Services. Permits processed per Florida Building Code and F.S. §553.791 expedited solar review (30-day clock). Roof fire setbacks per FBC required. HOA bans limited by F.S. §163.04.

Florida Statute §163.04 preempts HOA solar bans. Pasco HOAs and deed restrictions cannot prohibit rooftop solar panels or impose conditions that significantly increase cost or reduce efficiency. Reasonable placement rules allowed — HOA may specify roof face if solar access is preserved.

Commercial drone operators in Pasco County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Controlled airspace from TPA, Tampa Executive, and Zephyrhills Municipal requires LAANC authorization. Real estate, roofing, and agricultural drone use is growing in Pasco.

Pasco County recreational drone use follows FAA rules under 49 USC §44809. Tampa International (TPA), Tampa Executive, and Zephyrhills Municipal create controlled airspace over much of the county. Some Pasco parks restrict launch/landing.

Pasco County residential collection includes scheduled bulk item pickup for furniture, mattresses, and large appliances with refrigerant certified removed. Residents can also self-haul to Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility or the West Pasco Class III Landfill.

Pasco County operates single-stream curbside recycling collecting paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum/steel cans, and plastics #1 and #2. Contaminated carts may be skipped. Florida sets a statewide 75% recycling goal under FL §403.7032.

Pasco County Utilities provides mandatory weekly curbside trash and recycling collection in the unincorporated service area. Residents are assigned specific pickup days with bins out by 6 AM. Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, and Port Richey operate city-level programs.

Pasco County requires trash and recycling carts to be placed curbside with lids closed on collection day and retrieved by the following morning. Carts must be stored out of public view from the street between pickups.

Pasco County has no rent control. Florida Statute §166.043 prohibits local rent control except during a declared housing emergency approved by referendum — a threshold never met in Pasco. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper F.S. Ch. 83 Part II notice.

Pasco follows Florida Chapter 83 Part II eviction procedures. No just-cause requirement — landlords may non-renew month-to-month with 15 days notice (F.S. §83.57). Non-payment requires 3-day notice; lease violations require 7-day cure notice. Self-help eviction is illegal under F.S. §83.67.

Pasco County does not operate a general rental registration or inspection program for long-term residential rentals. Florida HB 1417 (2023) largely preempts local rental-registration schemes. Short-term vacation rentals are regulated separately under F.S. §509.032.

Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Pasco County for all residents including medical patients. Florida §381.986 permits medical use only and prohibits patient cultivation. Recreational remains a criminal offense under Ch. 893.

Pasco County permits state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) in C-2 commercial zones with pharmacy-equivalent standards per FL §381.986(11). Local zoning cannot ban MMTCs if pharmacies are allowed.

Pasco County Code Chapter 58 requires door-to-door commercial solicitors to register with the county, undergo a background check, and carry a visible ID badge. Soliciting hours typically end at dusk. Religious and political canvassers are exempt under the First Amendment.

Pasco County enforces posted 'No Soliciting' and 'No Trespassing' signs. Permitted solicitors who ignore signs face citations under Pasco Code Chapter 58. Residents can also rely on Florida's 'Do Not Call' list (FL §501.059) for phone solicitation.

Pasco LDC §400 limits residential heights to 35 ft / 2.5 stories in R-1/R-2 districts. Coastal and airport overlays (Tampa Executive, Zephyrhills) further restrict per FAA Part 77 and FBC wind requirements.

Pasco LDC §402 caps impervious surface coverage at 40-65% depending on zoning. Floodplain and SWFWMD wetland rules add stormwater requirements. New construction must mitigate runoff under LDC §901.

Pasco County Land Development Code (LDC) §400 sets setbacks by zoning district. Typical R-2 single-family: 25 ft front, 7.5 ft side, 20 ft rear. Coastal high-hazard and floodway setbacks add FEMA and SWFWMD requirements.

Pasco County parks close sunset to sunrise under Code of Ordinances Ch. 50 (Parks and Recreation). After-hours presence is trespass per FL §810.09. Sheriff and park rangers enforce; scheduled events may extend hours.

Pasco County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.

Pasco LDC §603 requires a tree removal permit for protected trees 4 inches DBH and larger, or any live oak, cypress, or pine 6 inch+ DBH. FL §163.045 allows removal of trees a certified arborist deems a danger without permit.

Pasco LDC §603 designates Specimen trees (24 inch+ DBH live oak, cypress, longleaf pine, magnolia) with the highest protection. Removal requires BCC approval and 3:1 mitigation except under FL §163.045 danger exemption.

Pasco LDC §603.5 requires 1:1 to 3:1 tree replacement when permitted trees are removed. Minimum 2 inch caliper Florida-friendly species. Fee-in-lieu paid to Pasco County Tree Bank when on-site planting infeasible.

Pasco County does not require a permit for residential garage sales in unincorporated areas. Code Ch. 38 limits frequency and signage. Cities within Pasco (New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Port Richey) have their own rules.

Pasco County allows garage sales during daylight hours, typically 7 or 8 AM to 6 PM or sunset. Noise must comply with Code §90-39. Signs must be removed within 24-48 hours of sale end.

Pasco County Code Ch. 38 limits residential garage sales to 3-4 per household per year, each lasting 2-3 consecutive days. Exceeding the limit triggers home-business zoning review under LDC §531.

Pasco County does not have a snow removal ordinance. Snow is extremely rare on the Tampa Bay Gulf Coast. Property owners must keep sidewalks clear of debris, vegetation, and storm damage under Code Ch. 46.

Pasco County Code Ch. 46 property maintenance rules apply to garage sales. Merchandise must be organized, removed from public view after sale hours, and signs taken down within 24-48 hours to avoid blight citations.

Pasco County enforces property maintenance standards under the Land Development Code and Code Enforcement Ordinance to prevent blight. Deteriorated structures, accumulated debris, and unsecured vacant buildings trigger notices with 10 to 30 day compliance deadlines and daily fines.

Pasco County Solid Waste requires trash and recycling carts to be set out no earlier than 6 PM the night before collection and retrieved by the end of collection day. Bins must be stored out of public view.

Pasco County requires vacant lot owners to control overgrowth, remove trash, and prevent nuisances. Grass and weeds over 18 inches on lots adjacent to improved properties violate Ch. 66; county mows non-compliant lots and liens costs to the owner.

Pasco County LDC §603 lighting standards require full-cutoff fixtures for new commercial and multifamily development. Coastal areas near turtle nesting beaches (Anclote Key, Gulf coast) must use FWC-approved turtle-safe lighting during nesting season (May 1-Oct 31) per F.A.C. 68E-1.

Pasco County LDC §603 limits light trespass to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Enforcement is complaint-driven through Pasco Code Enforcement. Security floodlights must be aimed and shielded to illuminate only the owner's property.