Tree Protection in Orlando, FL (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Orlando, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Orlando requires tree removal permits for protected trees under the city's tree protection ordinance in the Land Development Code. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 4 inches or greater on developed residential property and all trees on undeveloped property require permits before removal. Grand trees (DBH 24+ inches) and heritage trees receive additional protections. Mitigation (replanting or payment) is required.
Orlando Tree Removal Permits & Protected Trees
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Orlando designates certain trees as Heritage Trees based on species, size, age, and historical significance. Heritage trees receive the highest level of protection under the city's tree ordinance. Removal of heritage trees is extremely difficult to obtain and requires demonstration that the tree poses an imminent hazard or that no reasonable alternative to removal exists. Heritage tree species in Central Florida include live oaks, bald cypress, and longleaf pines.
Orlando Heritage & Protected Tree Designations
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Orlando requires tree replacement (mitigation) when protected trees are approved for removal. The replacement ratio depends on the size and type of tree removed. Standard replacement is typically 1:1 for smaller trees and increases for larger trees and grand trees. Replacement trees must meet minimum size requirements at planting. When on-site replanting is not feasible, payment into the city's tree trust fund is accepted.
Orlando Tree Replacement & Mitigation Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Orlando Tree Code Chapters 60 and 61 protect specified tree species including live oaks, bald cypress, and southern magnolia from removal without permit, with stricter standards and replacement-inch ratios applying to large heritage specimens citywide.
Protected Tree Species and Heritage Oak Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Orlando city rules.
Tree Protection in Orange County →