Kissimmee, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 4-inch diameter at breast height
- Measured
- 4½ feet above ground (existing trees)
- Exempt
- single-family lots, bona fide agriculture
- State overlay
- subject to Fla. Stat. § 163.045
Summary
Any tree with a trunk four inches or more in diameter at breast height is a 'protected tree' under Kissimmee's code, and cutting, trimming or removing it without a city permit is unlawful.
Unless exempt by F.S. § 163.045, it shall be unlawful for any person, entity, utility or other governmental agency to cut, trim, or remove any of the following trees without first obtaining a permit from the city as required in this chapter:
A.Protected trees. Any tree that has a four-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) or larger.B.Specimen or historic trees. The city arborist shall be authorized to designate certain trees as specimen or historic trees, based on their size (typically 30 inches DBH or greater), age, historic association, species or unique characteristics. Trees so designated shall be protected without regard to their locations, within the jurisdiction of the city, unless the applicant/developer can demonstrate that such protection will deny the total parcel sought to be developed of all beneficial use. (Code 1995, § 14-2-93; Ord. No. 3034, § 1(14-8-4), 8-4-2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
Kissimmee Land Development Code § 14-8-4(A) defines a 'protected tree' as any tree with a four-inch or larger diameter at breast height (DBH), measured 4½ feet above the ground for existing trees per § 14-8-2. Unless exempt under Fla. Stat. § 163.045, cutting, trimming or removing a protected tree anywhere in the city, public or private property, requires a permit first. Existing single-family lots and bona fide agricultural land are exempt from the broader chapter, but removal of a separately designated specimen or historic tree is never exempt.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, trimming or removing a protected tree without first obtaining a permit is unlawful under § 14-8-4 and is a misdemeanor, with a fine set under Code of Ordinances § 1-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tree needs a permit to remove in Kissimmee?
Are trees in my own yard covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kissimmee
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Kissimmee to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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