Marion County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- LDC Sec. 6.7.5
- Permit issued by
- County Landscape Architect or designee
- Single-family/duplex parcels
- Exempt (Sec. 6.7.2.E)
- Permit term
- 1 year or until building permit expires
- State law
- Fla. Stat. 163.045 (residential tree danger)
Summary
A tree removal permit from the County's Landscape Architect is required to remove any Regulated Tree in unincorporated Marion County, except for exempt activities. Individual single-family and duplex parcels and bona fide agricultural land are exempt from the tree-removal rules.
Sec. 6.7.5. Tree trimming and tree removal permit. ... B. A tree removal permit shall be required for the removal of any Regulated Tree except for exempt activities as outlined in Section 6.7.2. A tree removal permit shall be obtained from the County's Landscape Architect or their designee prior to any site clearing, grading, or for any construction which requires a permit from the Marion County Building Department. The failure to obtain any such permit when required shall be a violation of this Code, subject to penalties provided herein. C. A tree removal permit shall be obtained by any public or private utility or communications company undertaking construction activities that require tree removal. Prior to trimming or removal of any trees in the public right of way, related to the utilities operations and not associated with road construction or road maintenance activities, the contactor shall: 1. Contact the County's Landscape Architect and provide a map of where all vegetation management practices and tree trimming or removal will be performed. ... D. Tree removal permits shall expire within one year or upon expiration of the building permit, whichever comes first.
Full Breakdown
Under Marion County Land Development Code Sec. 6.7.5, a tree removal permit must be obtained from the County's Landscape Architect (or designee) before any site clearing, grading, or construction requiring a Building Department permit, and failure to obtain a required permit is a Code violation. Sec. 6.7.2 exempts many activities, including removal of trees on an individual parcel used for single-family or duplex dwellings (Sec. 6.7.2.E), removal of dead or dying trees or trees posing an immediate threat (Sec. 6.7.2.I), bona fide agricultural uses, and removal of UF/IFAS-listed invasive species. Utility companies must contact the County Landscape Architect and provide a vegetation-management map before trimming or removing trees in the public right-of-way (Sec. 6.7.5.C). For residential property, Florida Statute 163.045 separately bars the county from requiring a permit to prune, trim, or remove a tree that poses a documented danger. Permits expire in one year or upon expiration of the building permit (Sec. 6.7.5.D).
Violations & Fines
Failure to obtain a required tree removal permit, or unauthorized removal/grading, is a Code violation; the Landscape Architect may issue a stop-work order, require a restoration plan within 30 days, refer the matter to the Code Enforcement Board, and the County may seek injunctive relief, fines, and penalties (Sec. 6.7.13).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in unincorporated Marion County?
Can a utility company trim trees near power lines?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Marion County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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