Tallahassee's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Tallahassee maintains 97 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Tallahassee falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Any patriarch tree in Tallahassee, defined as a state-designated patriarch or champion tree or an exceptional shade tree 36 inches or more in diameter, is a protected tree under Land Development Code § 5-83(d)(2)e and cannot be removed, impacted, or damaged without an approved environmental management permit, even on a single-family lot.

Key details: Protected regardless of size: any patriarch tree. Definition: state champion or 36"+ DBH shade tree. Residential exemption: does not cover patriarch trees. MMTD credits/debits: doubled for patriarch trees. First-offense penalty: 3x replacement trees.

Removing, damaging, or impacting a patriarch tree without an approved environmental management permit is enforced under LDC § 5-83(j)(4): the city requires replacement trees at up to three times the number that would have been owed for a lawful removal on a first offense, five times on every offense after that, and doubles the standard tree-removal application fee. Growth management confirms compliance again before the compliance report and final environmental inspection required under § 5-64.

Compared to other cities, Tallahassee takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Protected Tree Species

Tallahassee names the live oak its official shade tree and the dogwood its official flowering tree, then protects specific tree classes by size and type under Land Development Code Sec. 5-83(d). Patriarch trees, canopy-road trees, wetland trees and any dogwood four inches DBH or larger cannot be removed, impacted or damaged without an approved city permit.

Key details: Governing law: LDC § 5-83(a), (d). Official shade tree: Live oak (Quercus virginiana). Official flowering tree: Dogwood (Cornus florida). Dogwood protection threshold: 4" DBH or greater. Hardwood/pine threshold: 12" DBH or greater.

Damaging, cutting or encroaching into the critical protection zone of any listed protected tree, including canopy-road trees, patriarch trees and wetland trees, without an approved environmental management permit is treated as unpermitted removal under Sec. 5-83(j)(4): replacement trees owed triple on a first offense and multiply five-fold after that, with the application fee doubled. Growth management staff enforces through the permit and inspection process in article VII of the code.

Compared to other cities, Tallahassee takes a harder line on protected tree species. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Tallahassee is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Tallahassee, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Tallahassee 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.