Tree removal permit rules in Cape Coral, FL — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Under Lee County LDC Chapter 14, Article V, a tree protected by the article may be lawfully removed only after a vegetation/tree removal permit is secured from the administrator. Protected species are listed in Appendix E of the LDC.
Lee County Land Development Code Section 14-382 provides that any tree defined and protected by Article V (Tree Protection) may be lawfully removed only after a permit is secured from the administrator. Protected species are those listed in LDC Appendix E, the Lee County Protected Tree List. Removal or relocation of native vegetation and protected trees generally requires a vegetation permit through the Division of Environmental Sciences, with submittal requirements varying by situation (single-family clearing on large or barrier-island lots, agricultural clearing, single-tree removal on common property, etc.). Section 14-377 sets exemptions, including limited removal of a small number of trees from an existing single-family homestead lot.
Removing a protected tree without the required permit violates LDC Chapter 14, Article V, enforceable through the Lee County code-enforcement/Hearing Examiner process. Illegal removal typically triggers replacement (reforestation) requirements plus fines; contact Environmental Sciences at 239-533-8389.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral §12-22 (Noise Control Ordinance, amended Dec 2019) prohibits noise plainly audible at 50 feet between 11 PM and 7 AM from any radio, TV, musical i...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Land Development Code Section 5.2.7 limits residential fences in the front setback, allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and requires open ...
Cape Coral, FL
Dogs in Cape Coral must be under direct control on a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length under Lee County Animal Control Ordinance. Cape Coral Code Chapter ...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral generally allows lawn ornaments, statues, flamingos, garden gnomes, and similar decorative items without a permit. Cape Coral Code Section 5.5.13 ...
Cape Coral, FL
Inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, Halloween figures, Easter bunnies) are not specifically regulated by Cape Coral's Code of Ordinances and are gene...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral does not have a dedicated holiday-light ordinance and treats seasonal lighting as a normal residential accessory use, generally allowed without a ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Lee County.
See how Cape Coral's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.