Jacksonville, FL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Director of Public Works
- Decision window
- 30 days from application
- Application requirement
- 4 copies of dimensioned drawing
- City removal right
- Anytime, without notice or cause
- Mailbox presumption
- Presumed harmful in right-of-way
Summary
Property owners in Jacksonville must get a Public Works permit before planting a tree, shrub, or planter in the street right-of-way between the sidewalk and curb, or face removal without notice.
A property owner desiring to place or maintain a planter, plant, tree, shrub, bush, or mailbox which shall be located adjacent to his property on (i) a sidewalk, or (ii) public property between the sidewalk and curb, or (iii) upon any City right-of-way, shall apply in writing to the Director of Public Works for a permit for planting, or structure, placement on City right-of-way, on a form prescribed by the Director of Public Works.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Before adding a tree, shrub, planter, or mailbox to the strip between the sidewalk and curb, on a sidewalk, or anywhere in a City right-of-way, Jacksonville property owners must file a written application with the Director of Public Works, including four copies of a dimensioned drawing and a statement that the item won't create a safety hazard or visual blight. The Director, after consulting the Director of Recreation and Parks, must act within 30 days. Approved plantings remain the applicant's own maintenance responsibility, and the City reserves the right to remove any tree, plant, shrub, or planter from its right-of-way at any time, without notice and without cause.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement is a Class D offense under Chapter 609, cited through the Municipal Code Enforcement Board, or pursued by injunction with civil penalties up to $500 per day of violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree between the sidewalk and curb in Jacksonville?
Can the City remove a tree I planted in the right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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