Lee County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Pruning standard
- ANSI A300 Part 1; ISA practices
- Severe pruning
- Owner must replace the tree
- Applies to
- Vegetation required by the Code
- Single-family exemption
- Lots five acres or less
- Civil fine
- Up to $500 per violation
Summary
Vegetation the Code requires may only be pruned to promote healthy, uniform, natural growth, following ANSI A300 Part 1 and ISA best practices. Severely pruned trees must be replaced. Most single-family lots are exempt from the tree-protection article.
Vegetation required by this code may only be pruned to promote healthy, uniform, natural growth of the vegetation (except where necessary to promote health, safety, and welfare) and be in accordance with 'American National Standard for Tree Care Operations... (A300, Part 1)'... and 'Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning' by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Full Breakdown
Section 10-421(c) governs vegetation required by the Code: it may only be pruned to promote healthy, uniform, natural growth except where necessary to promote health, safety and welfare, and must follow the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations (A300, Part 1) and the ISA's Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning. Trees must not be severely pruned to permanently maintain growth at a reduced height or spread, and severely pruned trees must be replaced by the property owner. Separately, Section 14-377(a)(7) exempts protected-tree removal on single-family lots of five acres or less, but not on the listed coastal islands, where no permit is needed only for five trees or fewer per year.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 14-375, tree-protection violations carry criminal penalties under Section 1-5, a civil fine not to exceed $500 per violation, restoration, and permit revocation. Each tree removed without a permit is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut required landscape trees back hard?
Do I need a permit to trim trees at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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