Kissimmee, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Kissimmee, 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
- New development
- reviewed with DRC site plan/plat review
- Existing lots
- apply directly to the director
- Approval needs
- design infeasible plus a listed reason
- Barred if
- violation or unpaid fine in past 3 months
Summary
Removing, altering or relocating a protected tree in Kissimmee requires a permit: reviewed with site plan or plat approval for new development, or a standalone application through the director for existing lots.
A.New development. A permit for the removal, alteration or relocation of a protected tree shall be reviewed and acted upon in conjunction with a site plan or preliminary plat review by the development review committee (DRC). Upon approval by the DRC, the building division shall issue a permit authorizing the removal of the trees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
Kissimmee Land Development Code § 14-8-5 sets two permit tracks: new development gets its tree removal permit reviewed alongside site plan or preliminary plat review by the development review committee, while an owner on an existing, already-developed lot applies directly to the director and must state the reason for removal. Permits are approved only where design changes can't avoid removal and a listed circumstance applies, the tree blocks required travel lanes, utilities, or reasonable access, is hazardous, dead or diseased, or has lost half its foliage. No permit issues if the applicant had a code violation in the prior three months or has outstanding fines.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without an issued permit is unlawful under § 14-8-5 and a misdemeanor, fined under Code of Ordinances § 1-22; the Code Enforcement Board handles enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a permit to remove a protected tree?
Will Kissimmee approve removal of a healthy shade tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kissimmee
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Kissimmee to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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