Jacksonville Ordinance Code Section 656.1207 designates specimen trees including large live oaks and other native species as protected, requiring extra mitigation and city arborist review for any removal. The Jacksonville Tree Master Plan guides citywide canopy goals.
Jacksonville's tree protection ordinance under Ord. Code 656.1207 distinguishes specimen trees, defined by species and DBH (diameter at breast height) thresholds, from ordinary regulated trees. Live oaks, southern magnolias, bald cypress, longleaf pine, and certain other native species become specimen trees once they exceed roughly 20 to 30 inches DBH depending on species. Removal requires city arborist review, demonstration of necessity (disease, hazard, or unavoidable conflict with permitted construction), and enhanced mitigation through replacement plantings or contributions to the tree mitigation fund. The Jacksonville Tree Master Plan, adopted to grow and sustain the urban canopy, sets neighborhood-level canopy goals. Single-family homestead exemptions are narrower for specimen trees than for ordinary regulated trees.
Unauthorized specimen tree removal triggers fines often equal to several times the appraised tree value plus mandatory replacement at enhanced ratios. Repeat offenders may face permit denial citywide. Mitigation fund contributions can run thousands of dollars per specimen tree.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville requires tree removal permits for protected trees under Jax Ord. Code Ch. 656, Part 12, Subpart B (Tree Protection) and City Charter Article 25....
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville designates hardwood trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater as 'exceptional specimen trees' under Jax Ord. Code §65...
See how Jacksonville's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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