Bay County protects historic, specimen, champion, and heritage trees, all oaks of 30-inch trunk diameter. Historic and specimen trees are designated by the County Commission at public hearing. Single-family homes are exempt.
Bay County's Land Development Regulations Section 1911 define four categories of protected oak. A heritage tree is any tree 30 inches or more in trunk diameter; a historic tree is designated by the County Commission for historical value; a specimen tree is Commission-designated for size, age, or type; and a champion tree is the largest of its species in Florida or the nation. None can be removed in a service area without a finding by the Planning Official that the tree is a hazard or that the parcel cannot practically be developed otherwise. Single-family footprints are exempt, and Statute 163.045 protects removing a documented dangerous tree.
Removing a historic, specimen, champion, or heritage tree without the required finding and permit violates the Land Development Regulations. Homeowners on exempt single-family lots face no county penalty.
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