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Seminole County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Seminole County, FL, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.

Key Facts

Permit name
Arbor Permit (LDC Ch. 60)
Issuer
Development Services
Homeowner exemption
Developed SF lots 3 acres or less
Hazard trees
No permit with arborist proof
Application needs
Reason + preservation statement

Summary

An Arbor Permit is required before removing protected trees in unincorporated Seminole County under Land Development Code Chapter 60. Developed single-family lots of 3 acres or less with a house are exempt, and FS 163.045 waives permits for certified-hazardous trees.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Seminole County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Developed single family lots 3 acres or less with a house, exemption does not include wetland areas.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 60 (Arbor Regulations) of the Land Development Code governs tree removal in the unincorporated county. An Arbor Permit from Development Services is required before removing protected trees, and the county reviews reasons such as trees in the buildable area or right-of-way, or trees that are diseased, injured, or in danger of falling. Applicants submit a tree-removal application with a written reason and a tree-preservation statement. Exemptions include developed single-family lots of 3 acres or less with a house (excluding wetlands) and agricultural land under FS 193.461 and 163.3162. Statewide, FS 163.045 bars any permit, fee, or mitigation for a residential tree an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect documents as an unacceptable risk.

Violations & Fines

Removing protected trees without a required Arbor Permit can bring code-enforcement citations, mandatory replacement/mitigation trees, and per-tree fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need an Arbor Permit?
Before removing protected trees in the unincorporated county, unless your developed single-family lot is 3 acres or less with a house, or FS 163.045's hazard exemption applies.
What does the application require?
A tree-removal (Arbor Permit) application with a written statement of the reason for removal and a tree-preservation statement for trees kept during construction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Seminole County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsNative PlantsSome RestrictionsArtificial TurfFew RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions

All Seminole County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Seminole County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview

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