The Planning Department's function is to plan for the future needs of the County created by growth, through the Comprehensive Plan, capital budgeting and efficient and  effective regulation of the development activities within Hernando County. This is accomplished by coordinated efforts with County agencies and public involvement.

The Planning Department serves as administrative support to the following entities: Board of County Commissioners which also serves as the Local Planning Agency, the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Metropolitan Planning Organization Board (a combination of the County Commission, a City Council member, and the Florida Department of Transportation), and the many committees associated with the MPO, and the Environmental Sensitive Lands Committee. These committees are comprised of volunteer citizens desiring to participate in the review processes giving them an opportunity to be involved in their community's future. The Planning Department strives to obtain public input and involvement in all of the planning processes.