Santa Rosa County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit to trim your own tree?
- No (existing home site)
- Homeowner code
- LDC 4.07.05.A.1 exemption
- State danger-tree rule
- FS 163.045: no permit
- Development sites
- Protected trees need permit
- Unauthorized removal fee
- $500 per inch mitigation
Summary
Routine trimming of trees on your own residential lot needs no county permit. Under Florida law, a homeowner may even remove a tree without any county notice or fee when a certified arborist documents it poses an unacceptable risk. Utility line-clearance trimming is handled by the utility.
Existing Single Family Residential or Duplex Structures — Santa Rosa County will not require a tree removal permit for the removal of a tree on a parcel that has an existing single family residential structure located onsite.
Full Breakdown
Santa Rosa County does not require permits to prune healthy trees on an established single-family or duplex home site (LDC sec. 4.07.05.A.1). For development sites, protected trees may not be damaged or removed without a permit, but everyday maintenance trimming on a homestead is exempt. State law (FS 163.045) further bars any local government from requiring notice, application, permit, fee, or mitigation to prune, trim, or remove a residential tree when an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect documents an unacceptable risk. Trimming trees in the public right-of-way or near power lines is coordinated with the county or utility.
Violations & Fines
Damaging or removing a protected tree that was required to remain under an approved site plan without a permit costs $500 per inch of required mitigation, deposited to the County Tree Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim a tree hanging over my roof?
Who trims trees touching power lines?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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