Tree Protection in Lake County, FL (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Lake County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

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

Protected Tree Species

Lake County's Land Development Regulations protect four categories of trees from removal: any Florida-native or Florida Friendly tree three inches or larger in diameter, Sand Pine and Xeric Oak Scrub trees at two inches, wetland trees of any size, and County-designated Specimen or Heritage trees. LDR § 9.02.01(A) sets these thresholds; prohibited, invasive, citrus and non-native fruit trees never qualify.

Protected Tree Species in Lake County FL

Significant Restrictions

Lake County LDR § 9.02.01(A)-(B)

Designation of Protected Trees. The following trees and palms are designated protected trees:1.All trees and palms native to Florida or Florida Friendly, three (3) inches or larger in diameter at breast height.2.Sand Pine and Xeric Oak Scrub community trees two (2) inches diameter or larger at breast height.3.Wetland trees of any size.4.Specimen and Heritage trees. ... Exemptions to Protected T...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

In unincorporated Lake County's Wellness Way growth area, four regional roadways carry mandatory street-tree and parkway landscaping standards. Along Wellness Way, Hancock Road, Schofield Road and County Road 455, LDR § 16.00.03 requires an 8-foot minimum sidewalk parkway with canopy trees spaced every 50 feet on center, at least 10% shrub coverage, and a 50% cap on turf. The rule applies only inside this designated corridor, not countywide.

Wellness Way Parkway Tree Rules in Lake County, FL

Some Restrictions

Lake County LDR § 16.00.03(E)(1)

Sidewalk Parkway 8 feet minimum width unless the site or right-of-way is constrained. If conditions are constrained, the County Manager or designee may approve an alternative width. Canopy Trees planted at regular spacing of 50 feet o.c. Shrubs covering a minimum of 10% of the area and turf/groundcover for the remainder of the parkway area. Turf may not exceed 50% of ultimate parkway area. P...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Lake County ordinances

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