Palm Bay, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulated species
- Red, white, black, buttonwood mangrove
- Permit required from
- Florida DEP
- Who may cut
- Specially certified arborist only
- Trigger
- Coastal or estuarine association
Summary
Palm Bay protects red, white, black, and buttonwood mangroves along the Indian River Lagoon; removal or trimming needs FDEP approval and a specially certified arborist.
MANGROVE. Protected trees which include the rooted trees and seedlings of the following species, but only when having a coastal or estuarine association: Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.), White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa Gaertn.), Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans (L)L.), Buttonwood Mangrove (Conocarpus erecta L.) Removal or trimming of mangroves must be approved through Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) permitting process and must be conducted by a certified arborist with special certification for mangrove trimming and removal.
(1) Rooted trees and seedlings of the following species, but only when having a coastal or estuarine association:
(a) Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.);
(b) White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa Gaertn.);
(c) Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans (L)L.); and
(d) Buttonwood mangrove (Conocarpus erecta L.).
(2) An assemblage of one (1) or more of the following species:
(a) Black mangrove (Avicennia nitida);
(b) Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle);
(c) White mangrove (Languncularia racemosa); and
(d) Buttonwood (Conocarpus erecta). MANUFACTURED HOME. A mobile home fabricated on or after June 15, 1976, in an offsite manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site, with each section bearing a seal certifying that it is built in
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Under the Land Development Code's definitions chapter, mangroves are classified as protected trees whenever they have a coastal or estuarine association. The four regulated species are red, white, black, and buttonwood mangrove. Any removal or trimming requires approval through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's permitting process, and the work itself must be performed by a certified arborist holding special certification for mangrove trimming and removal: a homeowner or general landscaper cannot legally cut mangroves on their own property.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted mangrove removal or trimming by an uncertified party violates both city code and FDEP mangrove-trimming rules; FDEP enforcement can include fines and mitigation/replanting orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim mangroves blocking my water view in Palm Bay?
Does this apply to mangroves anywhere in Palm Bay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle protected tree species.