Orlando designates certain trees as Heritage Trees based on species, size, age, and historical significance. Heritage trees receive the highest level of protection under the city's tree ordinance. Removal of heritage trees is extremely difficult to obtain and requires demonstration that the tree poses an imminent hazard or that no reasonable alternative to removal exists. Heritage tree species in Central Florida include live oaks, bald cypress, and longleaf pines.
Orlando's Heritage Tree designation applies to trees of exceptional size, age, species significance, or historical value. Common heritage species include Southern live oaks (Quercus virginiana), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), and other native species meeting size thresholds. Heritage trees cannot be removed except in cases of imminent hazard certified by a licensed arborist or when no feasible alternative exists for approved development. Development plans must be designed around heritage trees with appropriate root zone protection. Damaging a heritage tree through construction activity (root cutting, grade changes, chemical spills) is treated as a removal violation.
Heritage tree removal without approval: maximum penalties under the tree ordinance, potentially $1,000+ per diameter inch. Root damage during construction: stop-work order, restoration plan required. Mandatory replacement at enhanced ratios.
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See how Orlando's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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