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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Who designates
the city arborist
Typical size
30 inches DBH or greater
Basis
size, age, history, species, or traits
Waiver requires
total loss of beneficial parcel use

Summary

Kissimmee's city arborist may designate specimen or historic trees, typically 30 inches DBH or larger, for protection anywhere in the city, regardless of location on a lot.

B.Specimen or historic trees. The city arborist shall be authorized to designate certain trees as specimen or historic trees, based on their size (typically 30 inches DBH or greater), age, historic association, species or unique characteristics. Trees so designated shall be protected without regard to their locations, within the jurisdiction of the city, unless the applicant/developer can demonstrate that such protection will deny the total parcel sought to be developed of all beneficial use.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5).

Full Breakdown

Under Kissimmee Land Development Code § 14-8-4(B), the city arborist can designate a tree as 'specimen' or 'historic' based on size (typically 30 inches DBH or greater), age, historic association, species, or other unique characteristics. Unlike the general four-inch protected-tree rule, a specimen or historic designation protects the tree wherever it sits on a parcel, and the only way around it is a developer showing the protection would deny the entire parcel all beneficial use: a high bar reviewed through the § 14-8-5 tree removal permit process.

Violations & Fines

Cutting, trimming or removing a designated specimen or historic tree without a permit is unlawful under § 14-8-4, punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine under Code of Ordinances § 1-22.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a tree the city calls 'historic'?
Only with a permit, and only if you can show the protection would deny the whole parcel any beneficial use: the arborist's designation otherwise controls regardless of where the tree sits on the lot.
Is a specimen tree the same as a regular protected tree?
No. Any 4-inch-DBH tree is 'protected,' but a specimen or historic tree is separately designated by the city arborist and gets stronger protection under § 14-8-4(B).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kissimmee

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsProtected Tree SpeciesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Kissimmee rules

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