Martin County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 115.4
- Covers
- Sidewalks and bicycle paths
- Liable party
- Adjacent property owner (presumed)
- Exception
- Written County Engineer permit
- Enforcement
- Code enforcement or civil action
Summary
Martin County bans letting vegetation hang across or above a public sidewalk or bicycle path if it blocks pedestrians or bicyclists from using it.
It is unlawful for any person to place or to direct the placement of any object, material, debris, or vegetation on, across, or above a public sidewalk or bicycle path in a manner that obstructs or precludes the use of the sidewalk by pedestrians or the bicycle path by bicyclists.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 115.4 makes it unlawful to place or direct the placement of any object, material, debris, or vegetation on, across, or above a public sidewalk or bicycle path in a way that obstructs or precludes its use. Overgrown trees or shrubs hanging into the path count. The County Engineer can permit a temporary obstruction in writing, and adjacent property owners are presumed responsible for clearing the obstruction unless they prove someone else caused it.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement proceedings under Chapter 1, Article 4, or a civil action under F.S. § 162.30; the adjacent property owner or tenant is presumed liable for vegetation blocking the sidewalk or bike path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited if my tree branches hang over the sidewalk?
Is there a way to get an exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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