How Kissimmee Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide
Kissimmee maintains 112 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 Kissimmee falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Parkway Planting
Kissimmee requires one canopy street tree every 50 linear feet of the right-of-way landscaping strip on new or redeveloped streets, tied to plat and site plan approval.
Key details: Spacing: 1 canopy tree per 50 linear feet. Placement: Centered between sidewalk and curb. Trigger: New streets in new development. Review: Street tree plan approved by director.
Creating a new street without an approved street tree plan can block final plat, PUD, or site plan approval; planting or removing right-of-way trees without a permit is enforceable as a tree-code violation under LDC § 14-8-7.
Heritage & Protected Trees
Kissimmee's city arborist may designate specimen or historic trees, typically 30 inches DBH or larger, for protection anywhere in the city, regardless of location on a lot.
Key details: Who designates: the city arborist. Typical size: 30 inches DBH or greater. Basis: size, age, history, species, or traits. Waiver requires: total loss of beneficial parcel use.
Cutting, trimming or removing a designated specimen or historic tree without a permit is unlawful under § 14-8-4, punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine under Code of Ordinances § 1-22.
Compared to other cities, Kissimmee takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Protected Tree Species
Any tree with a trunk four inches or more in diameter at breast height is a 'protected tree' under Kissimmee's code, and cutting, trimming or removing it without a city permit is unlawful.
Key details: Threshold: 4-inch diameter at breast height. Measured: 4½ feet above ground (existing trees). Exempt: single-family lots, bona fide agriculture. State overlay: subject to Fla. Stat. § 163.045.
Cutting, trimming or removing a protected tree without first obtaining a permit is unlawful under § 14-8-4 and is a misdemeanor, with a fine set under Code of Ordinances § 1-22.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Kissimmee actively enforces its protected tree species requirements.
The Bottom Line
Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Kissimmee's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.