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Seminole County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

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

Key Facts

Trim your own trees
Generally allowed
Permit trigger
Removing protected trees (Ch. 60)
State override
FS 163.045 hazard exemption
Hazard proof
Certified arborist documentation
Authority
Land Development Code Ch. 60

Summary

Routine trimming and pruning of your own trees is generally allowed, but removal (and some heavy trimming) of protected trees in unincorporated Seminole County requires an Arbor Permit under Land Development Code Chapter 60. Florida law also lets homeowners skip permits for hazardous trees with arborist documentation.

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

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Seminole County regulates trees in the unincorporated area through Chapter 60 (Arbor Regulations) of the Land Development Code. Ordinary maintenance pruning of landscape trees does not need a permit, but removing a protected tree, or altering it enough to kill it, triggers the Arbor Permit process administered by Development Services. Under Florida Statutes 163.045, 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' when the owner has documentation from an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect that the tree is dangerous. Utility-line clearance follows separate rules.

Violations & Fines

Removing or fatally topping a protected tree without a required Arbor Permit can bring code-enforcement citations, mitigation (replacement) requirements, and per-tree fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trim my own tree freely?
Light maintenance pruning is fine. Cutting so severely that it kills a protected tree can count as removal and require an Arbor Permit.
What if the tree is dangerous?
With written documentation from a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect that it poses an unacceptable risk, FS 163.045 bars the county from requiring a permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Seminole County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsNative PlantsSome RestrictionsArtificial TurfFew RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions

All Seminole County rules

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

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