Ocoee, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Ocoee, 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
- Protected Size
- 8-inch DBH
- Permit
- Required from Planning
- Mitigation
- Inch-for-inch or fee
- State Preemption
- FL §163.045 danger trees
- Heritage Trees
- Extra protection
Summary
Ocoee requires a tree removal permit for any protected tree 8 inches DBH or larger on private property. Replacement or mitigation fees apply unless the tree qualifies as dangerous under FL §163.045, which preempts local permits when an ISA-certified arborist documents the risk.
F.S. 163.045 163.045 Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. — (1) For purposes of this section, the term: (a) "Documentation" means an onsite assessment performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a Florida licensed landscape architect and signed by the certified arborist or licensed landscape architect.
(b) "Residential property" means a single-family, detached building located on a lot that is actively used for single-family residential purposes and that is either a conforming use or a legally recognized nonconforming use in accordance with the local jurisdiction's applicable land development regulations.
(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
Ocoee Code Chapter 108.5 defines protected trees and requires a permit from the Planning Department before removal. Heritage and specimen trees, including certain oaks and cypress, receive additional protection. Mitigation typically requires inch-for-inch replacement or payment into the city tree fund. FL §163.045 (amended 2022) prohibits cities from requiring permits, notices, or mitigation when a residential property owner removes a tree that an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect documents as posing an unacceptable risk. Proper documentation must be retained. Commercial and multi-family properties remain fully regulated.
Violations & Fines
Removal without permit on residential property without §163.045 documentation: fine up to $500 per tree plus mitigation. Commercial/multi-family unauthorized removal: up to $5,000 per tree plus replacement. Heritage tree removal: heightened penalties at Code Enforcement Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Ocoee?
Sources & Official References
- [1]FL §163.045
Other rules in Ocoee
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle tree removal & heritage trees.