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Hernando County Tree Removal Permits: A Plain-English Guide
This is general information, not legal advice, and rules can change. Always confirm with Hernando County, or the City of Brooksville if you live inside city limits, before removing a large tree.
What the county says
According to the Hernando County zoning department's permits page, a Tree Removal Permit is required before removing any specimen tree, defined as 18 inches or more in diameter measured at breast height, or any majestic tree, 36 inches or more at breast height. Sand pines and palms are excluded from those categories. The county also says it may allow removal of a protected tree that poses an immediate safety hazard or is causing property damage. The application form, an acceptable tree list and a protected tree removal exemption document are posted on the county website.
How to measure diameter at breast height
Foresters measure trunk diameter at about 4.5 feet above the ground. Wrap a tape measure around the trunk at that height to get the circumference, then divide by about 3.14. A trunk with a circumference of roughly 57 inches is about 18 inches across. A trunk around 113 inches is about 36 inches across.
Florida's residential risk exemption
Section 163.045 of the Florida Statutes says a local government may not require a notice, application, permit, fee or mitigation to prune, trim or remove a tree on residential property when the owner has documentation from an ISA certified arborist or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. The documentation must come from an on-site tree risk assessment following industry best practices. The law defines residential property as a single-family detached home on a lot actively used for that purpose. Owners also cannot be required to replant. Hernando County updated its code in 2019 to reflect this exemption.
What the exemption does not cover
- Mangroves. These are governed by Florida's Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which matters on the coast near Hernando Beach.
- Non-residential land. Commercial lots and development sites follow the regular rules.
- Private restrictions. HOA covenants and deed restrictions are separate from county law.
- Healthy trees with no documented risk. Without documentation, a large protected tree may still need a permit.
A simple checklist
- Measure the trunk. Is it under 18 inches, between 18 and 36, or over 36? Is it a palm or a sand pine?
- Confirm your jurisdiction. Unincorporated Hernando County or the City of Brooksville?
- Read your HOA rules if you have them.
- Ask the tree company whether they can arrange a risk assessment by a certified arborist if the tree is hazardous.
- Keep copies of any permit or assessment in case questions come up later.
Development and clearing
Clearing land for construction can involve tree preservation requirements as part of site plan review, plus wetland and wildlife rules. See our land clearing page.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to trim a tree in Hernando County?
Routine trimming usually is not the same as removal, but severe cutting that seriously damages a protected tree can count as removal under county definitions. Ask the county if unsure.
Are palm trees protected?
The county excludes palms from the specimen and majestic categories, according to its zoning page. HOA rules may still apply.
Who writes the risk documentation?
An ISA certified arborist or a Florida licensed landscape architect, after an on-site assessment.
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Brooksville Tree Removal is a no-cost referral service and is not a tree contractor. We do not cut, trim or remove trees and hold no contractor license. Requests are handed to independent tree companies in the area that set their own prices, perform the work and are fully responsible for it. Before hiring anyone, ask for a written estimate and proof of insurance.