Tree Protection in Fort Myers, FL (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Fort Myers, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Removal of a native-species tree on residential or commercial property is listed by the City of Fort Myers as a permit-required activity under Chapter 138 (Vegetation), Article II (§ 138-46) and Article III (Trees). Applications go through the Building, Permitting & Inspections Division (239-321-7925). Florida Statute 163.045 preempts the City permit on a single-family residential lot when the owner has on-site documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree is dangerous.
Fort Myers Tree Removal Permits — Chapter 138 + FS 163.045 Exemption
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Fort Myers does not maintain a stand-alone 'heritage tree' registry under Chapter 138, but the City's Chapter 138 (Vegetation) protects specimen/protected native species through Land Development Code review. The Florida Forest Service (FDACS) administers the statewide Florida Champion Tree Program, which records the largest known specimen of each native and naturalized species. Nominations are submitted to FDACS; champion status is a recognition, not an additional removal preemption.
Heritage & Champion Trees in Fort Myers — Florida Champion Tree Register (FDACS)
Some RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Removal of a protected, specimen, or required-landscape tree under Fort Myers Chapter 138 (Vegetation), Article II (Landscaping, including § 138-46), generally triggers replacement with same-or-compatible native species. Replacement is typically calibrated to the size class of the removed tree, with mitigation enforced through the Building, Permitting & Inspections Division at landscape plan review.
Fort Myers Tree Replacement — Chapter 138 Article II
Some RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Fort Myers' tree and landscape code is consolidated in the Land Development Code (Subpart B), Chapter 138 — Vegetation, which contains Article I (General), Article II (Landscaping, including § 138-46 Conflict), and Article III (Trees). Permits and plan review run through the Building, Permitting & Inspections Division. Florida Statute 163.045 preempts City removal permits on single-family residential lots when an ISA-certified arborist documents the tree as dangerous, and mangroves are reserved to FDEP under FS 403.9321-403.9333.
Fort Myers Tree Code Overview — Chapter 138 (Vegetation)
Some RestrictionsLooking for Lee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Myers city rules.
Tree Protection in Lee County →