Collier County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Collier 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 rule
- LDC Sec. 3.05.01(B)
- Single-family exemption
- Lots 1 acre or less
- Still needs permit
- Specimen trees
- Danger-tree exemption
- FS 163.045
- Extra protection
- Mangroves, Big Cypress overlay
Summary
Outside the FS 163.045 danger-tree exemption, Collier County's Land Development Code makes it unlawful to remove or destroy vegetation without a Vegetation Removal Permit. Small single-family lots (1 acre or less) are largely exempt except for specimen trees.
It shall be unlawful to remove or destroy vegetation, which includes placing of additional fill, without first obtaining a Vegetation Removal or Vegetation Removal and Fill Permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Under Collier County LDC Section 3.05.01(B), removing or destroying protected vegetation, or adding fill, requires a Vegetation Removal (or Vegetation Removal and Fill) Permit. However, LDC Section 3.05.02 exempts lots of one acre or less subdivided for single-family use from a permit for removing protected vegetation other than a specimen tree. On a typical Naples-area home lot you can usually clear for your house and yard without a separate permit, but wholesale clearing of native habitat, specimen trees, or larger/undeveloped Estates and Ag parcels needs county review. Independently, FS 163.045 lets you remove a documented dangerous tree with no permit. Mangroves and Big Cypress overlay areas carry extra state protection.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted removal of protected vegetation is a code violation subject to fines, stop-work orders, and restoration/replanting requirements imposed by Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clear trees on my house lot?
What is a specimen tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collier County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Collier 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.