Jupiter, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Town Code § 26-1 defines an historic tree as one designated by the town council for notable historical interest or association with the community, and a specimen tree as one designated for high value based on type, size or age, or one that reaches at least 50 percent of the champion tree's diameter at breast height. Under § 26-122, an historic designation follows a recommendation from the historic resources board and a specimen designation follows one from the planning and zoning commission; either way, both bodies plus the town council must hold public hearings with due notice to the tree's owner, which can be combined with review of a development application on the same property.

Once designated, § 26-122(c) bars removal unless the town council finds, after a written request explaining the basis, that the tree is a hazard or that developing the site is not economically or practically feasible without taking it down, and a vegetation removal permit is still required. The town council must decide within 30 days of receiving the written request. Section 26-121(4) separately directs that during ordinary tree preservation review, emphasis goes to designated historic and specimen trees, along with significant groupings of native trees and any tree with a trunk 28 inches or more in diameter at breast height, which the mitigation table otherwise requires be preserved in place absent an undue hardship finding.