YardCareDirectory

Florida Tree Removal Permit Requirements

PERMIT LIKELY REQUIRED

No statewide requirement, but Florida cities and counties have some of the most detailed tree regulations in the South.

Issuing authority: City or county environmental or planning department
Permit Fee
$75–$300 depending on jurisdiction
Processing Time
5–15 business days
Protected Species
5
City Rules Listed
4
Protected Species in FL
Live OakSouthern MagnoliaSabal Palm (state tree)Gopher AppleFlorida Privet
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in Florida jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Invasive species (Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, etc.)
  • +Dead trees with documentation
  • +Trees under 4 inches DBH
  • +Imminent hazard

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

Miami-Dade, Broward, and many Florida cities maintain champion tree and heritage tree registries.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Fines range from $500 to $15,000 per tree in protected categories. Replacement of 3:1 or greater may be required.

Rules by City in Florida

Miami

All trees over 4 inches DBH require permits. Heritage trees and grand trees have additional restrictions.

Fee: $200–$500Miami-Dade maintains separate county rules alongside city ordinances.
Orlando

Protected trees (oaks, magnolias, palms over 10 inches DBH) require permits.

Fee: $125 base feeTree mitigation fund required for net canopy loss.
Tampa

Grand trees (over 24 inches DBH) require special approval. Protected species need standard permits.

Fee: $75–$200Hillsborough County rules may also apply.
Jacksonville

Regulated trees (over 8 inches DBH) require permits on lots under 2 acres.

Fee: $60 per treeLarge-scale development requires tree survey.
Tips for Florida Homeowners
  1. Invasive species like Brazilian pepper and Australian pine are often exempt from permit requirements and sometimes required to be removed.
  2. After hurricanes, emergency removal exemptions typically apply but document everything for insurance.
  3. Live oaks and sabal palms are strongly protected across virtually all Florida jurisdictions.
HOA Consideration: Florida has one of the most active HOA landscapes in the country. Many HOAs require separate written approval before any tree removal, regardless of city permits.
Find tree services in Florida that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in Florida