Boca Raton, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Sec. 27-3 states that development shall be permitted only in a manner consistent with maximum possible conservation of mangrove wetlands, and requires that a tree permit issued for mangrove wetlands include replacement of each mangrove tree removed with a mangrove seedling planted on the site, a one-for-one live-replacement standard sharper than the general tree article's discretionary relocation and replacement rules under Sec. 27-74. The species covered are specifically defined in Sec. 27-37: "mangrove tree" means any plant belonging to Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove), or Avicennia nitida (black mangrove), and the general "tree" definition is broadened to include any mangrove tree 4 feet or more in height, well below the 10-foot maturity threshold that applies to ordinary trees.

Because mangrove trees fall within the article's tree permit requirement, Sec. 27-66 bars cutting, removing or damaging a mangrove tree without first securing a tree permit from the inspection division, and applications are reviewed by the development services department under the same site-plan and application procedures (Secs. 27-67 through 27-72) that govern any other protected tree. Any decision on a mangrove-related tree permit can be appealed to the environmental control hearing board and, beyond that, to the city council under Sec. 27-6.