Boynton Beach, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- FL §163.045
- Permit
- Not required residential
- Arborist
- Written documentation
- Street Trees
- City approval needed
- FPL Lines
- FPL trims free
Summary
Routine tree trimming on private property in Boynton Beach does not require a permit thanks to FL §163.045, which preempts local tree protection on residential parcels when a certified arborist or ISA-certified professional documents danger. City-owned street trees need approval.
(2) 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. A tree poses an unacceptable risk if removal is the only means of practically mitigating its risk below moderate, as determined by the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017). (3) A local government may not require a property owner to replant a tree that was pruned, trimmed, or removed in accordance with this section. (4) This section does not apply to the exercise of specifically delegated authority for mangrove protection pursuant to ss. 403.9321 - 403.9333.
Full Breakdown
FL §163.045 (2019) prohibits municipalities from requiring permits, notices, or fees for residential tree pruning or removal when a certified arborist or landscape architect provides written documentation that the tree poses a danger. Boynton Beach Parks and Recreation manages all trees in rights-of-way and medians; cutting or trimming these without approval is prohibited. ANSI A300 industry standards are recommended for all pruning to prevent topping and structural damage. Power line clearance around FPL lines is handled by FPL Vegetation Management at no cost.
Violations & Fines
Trimming a city street tree without permission: $500 replacement cost plus $250 civil penalty. Improper topping that kills a protected tree in a development buffer: mitigation planting required.
Sources & Official References
- [1]FL §163.045
Other rules in Boynton Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Boynton Beach 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle tree trimming.