Palm Beach County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Palm Beach 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
- Residential
- No permit if hazard (FL §163.045)
- Documentation
- ISA arborist letter
- Commercial
- ULDC Art. 14 mitigation
- Specimen
- 24-inch DBH triggers extra rules
- Mangroves
- FL DEP jurisdiction
Summary
Residential tree removal in unincorporated Palm Beach County is preempted by FL FS §163.045 when an ISA-certified arborist documents the tree is a danger. Outside that exemption, PBC ULDC Art. 14 applies to commercial sites, preserve areas, and protected species.
(2)  A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. A tree poses an unacceptable risk if removal is the only means of practically mitigating its risk below moderate, as determined by the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017). (3)  A local government may not require a property owner to replant a tree that was pruned, trimmed, or removed in accordance with this section. (4)  This section does not apply to the exercise of specifically delegated authority for mangrove protection pursuant to ss. 403.9321 - 403.9333 .
Full Breakdown
Under FL FS §163.045, PBC may not require a permit, fee, or mitigation for residential tree removal documented as hazardous by an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect. Documentation should be retained by the homeowner. Commercial and multifamily parcels remain subject to PBC ULDC Article 14 mitigation requirements (typically 1:1 caliper inch replacement for non-hazard removals). Mangroves require Florida DEP permits. Native species on environmentally sensitive lands or in PBC ERM-protected preserves cannot be removed without ERM authorization. Specimen trees over 24-inch DBH on commercial sites trigger heightened mitigation. Penalties for unauthorized removal on regulated sites are 1,000 dollars per inch of DBH plus replacement.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized removal on commercial site: PBC ULDC penalty up to 1,000 dollars per DBH inch plus replacement. Mangrove violations: FL DEP penalties under FS §403.9329.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a healthy non-hazardous tree from my yard?
What if my tree is in a preserve easement?
Sources & Official References
- [1]FL §163.045
- [2]PBC ULDC
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.