Boca Raton, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Sec. 27-66 bars removal of a protected tree, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining a tree permit, covering trees, specimen trees, historic trees, mangrove trees and natural beach dune vegetation on property described in Sec. 27-39, which reaches vacant and undeveloped land, redeveloped property, and any lot with a designated specimen or historic tree. Applications go to the inspection division under Sec. 27-67 with a written statement of the removal reason and two copies of a site plan at a minimum 1-inch-to-20-foot scale (or an equivalent aerial photograph), and an incomplete application is deemed abandoned 30 days after the city flags deficiencies, with one 30-day extension available on written request.

The development services department reviews the application under Sec. 27-71, and Sec. 27-73 caps approval of removal permits to specific circumstances: the tree unreasonably restricts a permitted use and cannot be relocated; the tree is diseased, hazardous, too close to structures, interferes with utilities or creates unsafe sight lines; removal serves the general public welfare; or a final development order and building permit application are already in hand. If relocation or replacement is required instead of outright removal, Sec. 27-74 requires replacement trees to reach at least 15 feet in height and 3 inches trunk diameter at maturity and be planted at a minimum of 10 feet tall, on either a 1-for-1 or inch-for-inch canopy basis. Hazardous trees needing emergency removal can get verbal authorization from the development services department under Sec. 27-75 without a written permit.