Flagler County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Flagler 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
- Applies to
- unincorporated Flagler County only
- Protected tree
- 6 in. DBH or greater, listed species
- Preservation minimum
- 50% single-family, 70% multi-family/non-res.
- Max court fine
- $500 per tree plus replacement
- Barrier fine
- $1,000 first violation + $100/day
- Enforced by
- Development Services Director
Summary
Unincorporated Flagler County requires a permit before removing or clearing any protected tree, defined as a listed species with a trunk six inches or greater in diameter. The rule sits in the county Land Development Code and governs only outside Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, Bunnell and Marineland, which run their own tree codes.
(1)No person shall proceed with protected tree removal or land clearing on any improved, vacant or unimproved land except in accordance with the procedures and standards of this section. ... (1)Fine and replacement. Each violation of this section shall be punishable in a court of competent jurisdiction by a fine of no more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) plus replacement of the trees removed from the site, unless indicated otherwise. The removal, relocation or destruction, including dripline encroachment, of each tree for which a permit is required in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense under this section.
Full Breakdown
02 requires a tree survey less than 24 months old, a scaled site plan showing which protected trees will be retained, removed, relocated or replaced, and a landscaping plan submitted with the site plan, subdivision, building permit or special exception application. 03 sets preservation floors by land use: single-family lots must preserve or replant at least 50 percent of pre-development caliper inches, while multi-family, mobile home park, non-residential and mixed-use parcels must preserve or replant at least 70 percent, with stricter percentages inside the A1A Scenic Corridor.
06 exempts agricultural activity, right-of-way utility work, emergency clearing and licensed nurseries. 07 holds the property owner strictly liable for damage to a protected tree unless it resulted from an act of God, an act of war, permitted development activity, or documented vandalism reported to police. 09 lets a developer pay into county tree replacement in lieu of on-site planting, valued per caliper inch at the market rate of a delivered, installed 4-inch live oak.
Violations & Fines
Section 6.01.08 sets a court fine of up to $500 per violation plus mandatory replacement of the trees removed, and treats removal, relocation, destruction or dripline encroachment of each protected tree requiring a permit as a separate offense. Failing to install required tree protection barriers before clearing draws a $1,000 fine for a first violation before a special magistrate, plus $100 per day until barriers are installed. The county can also withhold site plan, building permit, or occupancy approvals until remedial action is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in unincorporated Flagler County?
What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit in Flagler County?
Does this rule apply if I live in Palm Coast or Flagler Beach?
Can I get a variance from the tree preservation requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flagler County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Flagler County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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