Jacksonville designates hardwood trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater as 'exceptional specimen trees' under Jax Ord. Code §656.1203. These trees receive the highest level of protection. Removal requires specific authorization and enhanced mitigation. The Tree Commission (Ch. 94) advises on policy for exceptional specimens. City Charter Article 25 provides additional constitutional protections for tree conservation during development.
Jacksonville's heritage tree program protects trees of exceptional size, age, species, or historical value. Trees may be designated as heritage by the city arborist, tree board, or planning commission based on criteria including: diameter of 24+ inches at breast height, specimen quality, native species of ecological importance, or documented historical significance. Heritage tree protections include: no removal without city council or tree board approval, no pruning without arborist review, protection of the root zone (typically 1 foot per inch of trunk diameter) during construction, and fencing requirements around heritage trees on development sites. Damage to heritage trees (including root cutting, soil compaction, or chemical application) carries significant penalties. Removal requires replacement planting at a 3:1 to 5:1 ratio.
Unauthorized removal of heritage tree: $5,000–$25,000 per tree plus replacement at 3:1 to 5:1 ratio. Root zone damage: $1,000–$10,000 plus restoration. Development damage: stop-work order until protection plan approved.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and Florida Statute 553.883 for smoke alarms, requiring units inside every sleeping ...
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue enforces NFPA 58 and International Fire Code Chapter 61 through Ordinance Code Chapter 366. Residential propane storage caps tot...
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, or yard art at single-family residences. Sign Code Ch....
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has no zoning, building, or sign-code rule specifically targeting residential inflatable holiday displays. Sign Code Ch. 656 Pt. 13 exempts seas...
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has no city ordinance specifying when residents may install or must remove holiday lights. Sign Code Ch. 656 Pt. 13 expressly exempts holiday an...
Jacksonville, FL
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Jacksonville require permits when they involve gas-line extensions, electrical work, plumbing, or roofed structures. Permits are...
See how Jacksonville's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.