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Bay County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Bay 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

Protected
Oaks 30"+ only
Pines
No permit, any size
Single-Family
Footprint exempt
Permit Fee
$20
Dangerous Trees
§ 163.045 protects removal

Summary

In unincorporated Bay County, a county permit is required only to remove a protected oak (30-inch trunk) in the Urban or Suburban Service Area. Pines are unprotected at any size, and single-family homes are largely exempt.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No property owner, builder, contractor, landscaper, business, firm or other legal person shall remove, destroy, or damage a protected Historic, Specimen, Champion or Heritage tree located in the Urban or Suburban Service Area without first obtaining a permit from the Planning and Zoning Division.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Bay County Land Development Regulations Section 1911 bar removing a protected Historic, Specimen, Champion, or Heritage oak in the Urban or Suburban Service Area without a Planning and Zoning permit. Only oaks 30 inches or more in trunk diameter are protected; pine trees can be removed without a permit regardless of size, and single-family construction is exempt when the tree sits in the building footprint. Removal of a hazardous, storm-, or fire-damaged tree needs no formal permit. Florida Statute 163.045 separately bars any permit for a tree a certified arborist documents as a danger, a provision used heavily after Hurricane Michael. The permit fee is $20.

Violations & Fines

Removing a protected oak in a service area without a permit violates the Land Development Regulations and can bring code enforcement action. Removing pines or a tree in a single-family footprint carries no county penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Bay County?
Only for a protected oak of 30-inch trunk diameter in the Urban or Suburban Service Area. Pines need no permit at any size, and single-family footprints are exempt.
Can I remove a tree Hurricane Michael damaged?
Yes. Storm-weakened and hazardous trees may be removed, and state law bars any permit for a tree a certified arborist documents as a danger to people or property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bay County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsFew RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsNative PlantsFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Bay County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Bay County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview

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