How Fort Myers Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide
Fort Myers maintains 133 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fort Myers falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Protected Tree Species
Fort Myers prohibits planting or installing any Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Category 1 invasive species and requires developed sites to stay free of them permanently, while waiving the tree-removal permit fee for removing those same species.
Key details: Banned species: FEPPC Category 1 invasive plants. Planting/installation: Prohibited citywide. Post-development duty: Site kept free in perpetuity. Removing invasives: No permit fee charged. Max penalty: 60 days jail / $500 fine.
Enforced under Article III's penalty section (§ 138-81): a second-degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days imprisonment and/or a fine up to $500, with each prohibited tree or violation a separate offense.
This is one of the stricter rules in Fort Myers's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Parkway Planting
Owners on 24 named Fort Myers corridors, from McGregor Boulevard to Colonial Boulevard, must plant assigned street tree species at set spacing and replace dead trees within 30 days of city notice.
Key details: Who must plant: Owners on 24 listed corridors. Replacement deadline: 30 days after city notice. Hydrant/utility setback: 10 feet minimum. Overhead power line setback: 20–30 feet by tree height. Curb/sidewalk clearance: 5 feet minimum.
Violating any section of this tree article, including the planting and replacement duties in Sec. 138-72, is a second-degree misdemeanor under Sec. 138-81: up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, with each tree a separate offense.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fort Myers actively enforces its parkway planting requirements.
Heritage & Protected Trees
Fort Myers requires developers to make every reasonable effort to preserve heritage trees, native species like Live Oak or Bald Cypress with a trunk 20 inches or more in diameter, before removal is considered.
Key details: Heritage threshold: 20-inch diameter at breast height. Qualifying species: Live Oak, Slash/Longleaf Pine, Bald Cypress. Applies to: New development, not existing homes. Replacement size: Minimum 20-foot-tall native tree. Citation: Land Development Code § 138-3.
Removing a heritage tree without documenting that all reasonable preservation options were investigated, or without installing the required 20-foot-tall native replacement tree, is a departure from the approved landscape plan tied to the project's site work permit.
The Bottom Line
Fort Myers is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Fort Myers, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Fort Myers's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.