Fort Myers, FL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must plant
- Owners on 24 listed corridors
- Replacement deadline
- 30 days after city notice
- Hydrant/utility setback
- 10 feet minimum
- Overhead power line setback
- 20–30 feet by tree height
- Curb/sidewalk clearance
- 5 feet minimum
Summary
Owners on 24 named Fort Myers corridors, from McGregor Boulevard to Colonial Boulevard, must plant assigned street tree species at set spacing and replace dead trees within 30 days of city notice.
Owners of property fronting any thoroughfare listed below shall plant street trees on such property at the time this property is developed or earlier. Each property owner must maintain these trees and replace these trees if they die within thirty (30) days of receiving notice issued by the City. Trees shall be planted in accordance with these requirements in the manner assigned.(c)The trees shall be set back outside the existing or future right-of-way line as presented on Map G of the comprehensive plan, so that the trees are planted on private property in a row facing the roadway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Fort Myers's Land Development Code requires street trees along specific corridors listed in Sec. 138-72(e), Cleveland Avenue, McGregor Boulevard, Colonial Boulevard, Fowler Street and 20 others, each assigned a species, spacing pattern, and minimum planting size (for example, Royal Palms on McGregor Boulevard at 15–20 feet on center). Trees go on private property near the right-of-way line, set back at least 5 feet from curbs, 10 feet from fire hydrants and underground utilities, and 20–30 feet from overhead power lines depending on mature height. Owners must maintain the trees and replace any that die within 30 days of city notice; this is separate from Lee County, which governs unincorporated areas outside city limits.
Violations & Fines
Violating any section of this tree article, including the planting and replacement duties in Sec. 138-72, is a second-degree misdemeanor under Sec. 138-81: up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, with each tree a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to plant a street tree on my Fort Myers property?
How close to a fire hydrant or power line can a Fort Myers street tree go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle parkway planting.