Orlando Tree Code Chapters 60 and 61 protect specified tree species including live oaks, bald cypress, and southern magnolia from removal without permit, with stricter standards and replacement-inch ratios applying to large heritage specimens citywide.
Orlando's Tree Code regulates removal of regulated trees on private property, with heightened protection for protected species such as live oak, southern magnolia, bald cypress, longleaf pine, and certain palms. Removing a regulated tree of qualifying size requires a permit, an arborist evaluation for hazard or decline, and replacement inches calculated by the diameter removed, often payable as on-site planting or contributions to the city tree-bank fund. Heritage trees, defined by exceptional size or historic value, face the strictest review. Healthy live oaks and other protected species generally cannot be removed for convenience or new construction without formal mitigation.
Unpermitted removal of a protected tree triggers fines per inch of diameter removed plus mandatory replacement, with penalties scaling for heritage specimens and repeat offenders, often totaling thousands of dollars per tree.
Orlando, FL
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Orlando designates certain trees as Heritage Trees based on species, size, age, and historical significance. Heritage trees receive the highest level of prot...
Orlando, FL
Orlando requires tree replacement (mitigation) when protected trees are approved for removal. The replacement ratio depends on the size and type of tree remo...
See how Orlando's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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