Orlando's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Orlando, Florida, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Parkway Planting

Orlando lets the owner of property abutting a parkway plant and maintain trees, shrubs, plants, or flowers there under City Code § 54.26-1, but the City can order removal within 10 days if the planting turns into a nuisance, hazard, or public-safety problem, and non-owners are barred from disturbing lawful plantings under § 54.26.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 54.26-1. Who may plant: Owner of the abutting property. Correction notice period: 10 days. Appeal path: City Clerk to City Council. Companion protection: § 54.26 bars others from damaging plantings.

Failing to correct a cited parkway planting within the 10-day notice period, without filing a timely appeal to City Council, exposes the abutting owner to Section 1.08's general penalty, a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both, and the City may remove or trim the planting itself and assess the cost against the property. Damaging another owner's lawful parkway planting is a separate violation under Section 54.26.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Orlando's Parks Official can officially designate outstanding or aged trees as Specimen or Historic Trees, protecting them wherever they sit in the city. Removing or encroaching on a designated tree without a permit can draw a fine of up to $15,000.

Key details: Historic Tree threshold: 30" dbh trunk caliper. Designating authority: Parks Official. Max fine, unpermitted removal: $15,000. Protection scope: Applies regardless of location in city. Appeal path: Applicant may appeal designation.

Removing a Specimen or Historic Tree without a valid permit is treated as an irreparable, irreversible violation under § 60.210(f), exposing the responsible party to a fine of up to $15,000, with the Code Enforcement Board weighing the violation's gravity, corrective steps taken, and any prior offenses in setting the penalty.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Orlando actively enforces its heritage & protected trees requirements.

The Bottom Line

Orlando's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Orlando is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Orlando can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.