Bonita Springs, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 10-95 puts tree clearance on the landowner. Subsection (a) says landowners shall maintain in a clean condition adjoining sidewalks and public rights-of-way that, because of their location and character, appear or are used as if they are an extension of the parcel of land, and then lists minimums. Two of them concern trees. Under (a)(2) the landowner maintains trees and shrubs to allow a vertical clearance of at least seven feet above any sidewalk. Under (a)(3) fire lanes are maintained pursuant to section 3-5.2 of the state fire prevention code, so as to permit a minimum vertical tree clearance of 13 feet, six inches from the curb or edge of street.

The section names no city crew and no trimming schedule. The duty runs to the landowner at all times, and Section 10-92(c) extends the term to a tenant or other person documented as having control and rights to use the property.

Related sections widen the picture. Section 10-99(b) declares accumulations of dry vegetation, weeds, grass, uncultivated vegetation and invasive exotics a public nuisance where the growth threatens abutting or adjacent owners, presents visual blight, harbors insect or rodent infestation, becomes a fire or flood hazard, or overhangs or grows across property lines. A limb growing across a property line is therefore a nuisance under (b)(5) even when it clears the sidewalk by seven feet. Section 10-95(a)(1) separately requires sidewalks and rights-of-way to be kept clear of litter, debris and weeds.

Enforcement runs through Section 10-103: the county sheriff's office and the city code enforcement manager enforce the article, and the city manager or designee receives complaints and gives the notices the article requires. Under Section 10-95(a)(5), when the entity responsible for a road performs routine maintenance or a road improvement in the right-of-way, the landowner removes or relocates personal items or bears the cost of any loss or repair, and the city is not responsible for replacement, repair or reimbursement.