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Orange County, FL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Species protected
7 native species listed
Live oak threshold
24 inches DBH
Replacement ratio
3:1 caliper-to-DBH
Penalty
$318 per DBH inch

Summary

Orange County gives seven native tree species, including live oak, southern magnolia, and bald cypress, extra protection once they reach a listed trunk diameter, under Section 15-283.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Orange County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a)Specimen trees. The following tree species at the stated DBH or greater are provided additional regulatory protections, consistent with this article:(1)Quercus virginiana (Live Oak), twenty-four (24) inches;(2)Ulmus alata (Winged Elm), twelve (12) inches;(3)Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia), eighteen (18) inches;(4)Quercus laevis (Turkey Oak), eighteen (18) inches;(5)Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine), eighteen (18) inches;(6)Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), eighteen (18) inches;(7)Taxodium distichum (Bald cypress), eighteen (18) inches.(b)Heritage trees. The following tree species at the stated DBH or greater are provided additional regulatory protections consistent with this article:(1)Quercus virginiana (Live Oak), forty (40) inches;(2)Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia), twenty-four (24) inches. (Ord. No. 2023-35, § 9, 9-12-23)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 128).

Full Breakdown

Section 15-283(a) designates seven specimen tree species for additional regulatory protection at set DBH thresholds: live oak at 24 inches, winged elm at 12 inches, southern magnolia and turkey oak at 18 inches, longleaf pine at 18 inches, sweetgum at 18 inches, and bald cypress at 18 inches. Removing or damaging a qualifying specimen tree triggers a three-to-one replacement ratio and higher administrative penalties than an ordinary regulated tree.

Violations & Fines

Impacting a specimen tree without authorization carries an administrative penalty of $318 per DBH inch, on top of the general per-offense fine, under Section 15-284(c)(3).

Frequently Asked Questions

What trees count as specimen trees in Orange County?
Live oak, winged elm, southern magnolia, turkey oak, longleaf pine, sweetgum, and bald cypress, once they reach the DBH listed in Section 15-283(a).
Is a specimen tree the same as a heritage tree?
No: heritage trees are a smaller, more protected list (live oak and southern magnolia) with larger DBH thresholds, under Section 15-283(b).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Orange County

Parkway PlantingSome RestrictionsHeritage & Protected TreesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesHeavy Restrictions

All Orange County rules

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