Fort Myers, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Unauthorized trim/cut fine
- $250 per occurrence
- Unauthorized removal cost
- $1,000 min or replacement cost
- Approval needed from
- Parks & Recreation Dept.
- Misdemeanor penalty (Sec. 138-81)
- Up to 60 days, $500 fine
- Applies in
- City of Fort Myers, Lee County
Summary
Fort Myers bans trimming, cutting or removing street trees in the right-of-way or required street trees without city approval, with a written-request process.
It is hereby prohibited to trim, cut, remove or deface any tree located within the street right-of-way or a street tree required by this Code, unless such work is done by or at the direction of the city... Any cutting, trimming, removing or defacing of such trees shall result in a fine of $250.00. Each occurrence of such offense is subject to a $250.00 fine. Total removal cost shall be a minimum of $1,000.00 or the cost for a replacement tree of equal size, whichever is greater.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
It is unlawful to trim, cut, remove or deface any tree in a street right-of-way, or any street tree required by the Land Development Code, unless the work is done by or at the direction of the city. To have a right-of-way tree trimmed for safety or visibility, you must submit a written request to the parks and recreation department, which trims it once the director and the police chief (or a designee) agree the work is warranted. To trim a required street tree on private property, submit a written request to the parks division describing the work; the parks division manager can approve it and will set specific directions for how the trimming must be done.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized cutting, trimming, removing or defacing carries a $250 fine per occurrence. Full removal costs a minimum of $1,000 or the price of an equal-size replacement tree, whichever is greater. The police department and code enforcement division enforce it, and violations can also go before the code enforcement board or be prosecuted as a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days jail and/or a $500 fine) under Sec. 138-81, with each tree removed a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim a tree in the street right-of-way myself in Fort Myers?
What if I need a required street tree on my own property trimmed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle tree trimming.