Satellite Beach, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Satellite Beach, 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 required
- Before removing/relocating a protected tree
- Relocation condition
- City may require relocation instead of removal
- Minimum planting baseline
- 1 tree + 5 shrubs per 2,000 sq ft
- Dead/diseased tree removal deadline
- 60 days
- Replacement deadline
- 30 days if below minimum count
- Enforcement
- Notice, then city remedy + property lien
Summary
Property owners in the City of Satellite Beach must obtain a permit before removing or relocating a protected tree under City Code § 30-702(c)(1). The building official can condition the permit on letting the city relocate the tree at the city's expense instead of allowing removal.
(1)Property owners shall obtain a permit before removing or relocating a protected tree. As a condition for issuing the permit, the building official may require the permittee to allow the city or its designee to relocate the tree at the expense of the city or designee. The building official shall require that the tree be relocated in a timely manner that does not cause more than minimal delay for development activities on the site.
Full Breakdown
Section 30-702 governs landscaping in all zoning districts, and subsection (c), Removal or relocation, sets the tree-removal permit rule: a property owner must obtain a permit before removing or relocating a protected tree, and as a condition of issuing that permit the building official may require the owner to allow the city or its designee to relocate the tree at the city's or designee's expense rather than remove it, with relocation required to happen in a timely manner that causes no more than minimal delay to development activity on the site.
' If removing a tree or shrub drops the property below the minimum planting count required elsewhere in § 30-702, a replacement must go in within 30 days. That minimum baseline is set in § 30-702(a)(5): at least one tree and five shrubs for every 2,000 square feet of lot area, with at least half placed between the principal structure and any abutting street. Site plans for developments requiring review must separately map protected trees to be removed under § 30-303(f)(2)e, and Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council-listed invasive species must be removed during development or redevelopment under § 30-702(a)(4). Landscaping violations, including unpermitted tree removal, are corrected under the notice-and-lien procedure in § 30-702(b)(4).
Violations & Fines
Removing or relocating a protected tree without a permit violates § 30-702(c)(1). After 15 days' notice goes uncorrected, the code enforcement officer may authorize the city to remedy the violation and invoice the owner under § 30-702(b)(4); unpaid costs become a recorded lien on the property, collectible with interest and attorney's fees like a special assessment lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my Satellite Beach yard?
What if my tree dies or is diseased?
What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Satellite Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Satellite Beach to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle tree removal & heritage trees.