Alachua County, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen list size
- ~150 species, Table 406.16.5
- Champion tree
- Largest of species in FL or US
- Heritage tree size
- 20" dbh (30" laurel/water oak)
- Landmark live oak
- 45" dbh+, condition rating 4-5
- Removal priority order
- Champion > landmark oak > heritage/specimen
Summary
Alachua County singles out specimen trees, species the county rates as notable for age, size, condition, historic habitat value or rarity, for case-by-case protection on unincorporated land, under Alachua County Code § 406.16.4(a). Champion, heritage and landmark live oak trees carry the strongest protection and get top priority in every development plan's tree-preservation hierarchy.
(a)Specimen tree list. The list of trees identified in Table 406.16.5 includes specimen trees identified by the County to be of notable interest or high value for their species because of their age, size, condition, historic habitat association, and/or uniqueness. Protection of these species that are less than heritage size through preservation, relocation, or replacement will be determined on a tree-by-tree basis by the County.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
4(a)). The county decides preservation, relocation or replacement for specimen trees smaller than heritage size on a tree-by-tree basis. 11(b): a champion tree is one identified by the Florida Forest Service or American Forests as the largest of its species in Florida or the nation; a heritage tree is any native species 20 inches dbh or larger, except laurel and water oaks, which qualify at 30 inches; and a landmark live oak is a live oak 45 inches dbh or larger rated 4 or higher on the county's condition scale.
14(c)). Removing a landmark live oak requires Board of County Commissioners approval and proof the project cannot be sited anywhere else on the property. Heritage trees removed for a new residence within 20 feet of the building footprint get half-rate mitigation if rated 3-5; those within 10 feet of an existing structure and causing damage require one-for-one replacement.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected specimen, heritage, champion or landmark tree without the required permit triggers replacement at up to double the mitigation rate in § 406.15(a), under § 406.16.3. Violations of the tree preservation hierarchy in a development plan can also be enforced through Chapter 409's Code Enforcement referral, citations and permit-withholding powers, alongside any FEMA or state agency action where wetlands or listed-species habitat overlaps the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a 'specimen tree' in Alachua County?
Is a champion tree the same as a heritage tree?
Can I remove a landmark live oak from my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alachua County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Alachua County to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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