Tree Protection in Highlands County, FL (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Highlands County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Highlands County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Protected Tree Species

Unincorporated Highlands County requires an Environmental Clearance Report before any land clearing on a site that supports state or federally listed endangered or threatened plant species, including several tree and shrub species unique to the Lake Wales Ridge scrub. The rule targets the county's globally rare xeric upland habitat.

Highlands County Protected Scrub Plant Species

Significant Restrictions

Highlands County Code § 12.12.600

It is the purpose of this division to provide standards to identify, protect, acquire, and preserve the native vegetative communities which are endemic to Central Florida and Highlands County, and to restrict activities known to adversely affect the endangered and threatened species and their habitat, including those of special concern. ... Common Name Scientific Name Designation ... Pygmy frin...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

Unincorporated Highlands County does not require street trees on ordinary residential streets, but any project built under the county's Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) zoning district must plant a canopy tree at least every 30 feet of street frontage under Highlands County Code § 12.08.128(K)(1). Palms count too, spaced every 15 feet, and deciduous species are barred.

Highlands County TND Street Tree Spacing

Some Restrictions

Highlands County Code § 12.08.128(K)(1)

1.Street trees. A minimum of one broad leaf evergreen canopy tree every 30 feet of street frontage or palm every 15 feet, or fractions thereof because of physical circumstances, shall be required. The same species of tree shall be used on any one street through its entire length. Another tree species may be selected for another street. ... Deciduous trees shall not be used because they do not h...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Highlands County ordinances

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