Volusia County, FL Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Volusia County tree protection regulations in LDC Chapter 72, Article III require a permit before removing trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8 inches or greater on single-family residential property; 4 inches or greater in Resource Corridor, Conservation, and Environmental Systems Corridor Overlay zones. Protected species include live oak (Quercus virginiana), southern magnolia, bald cypress, sabal palm (Florida state tree), and longleaf pine. Permits are issued by the Environmental Management Division and typically require a site plan showing tree locations. Dead, diseased, or hurricane-damaged trees qualify for expedited emergency removal but still require notification. Municipal ordinances are stricter in many cases: DeLand (Ch. 30 Historic Tree Ordinance) protects all 10+ inch DBH trees; NSB Ch. 606 protects 4+ inch hardwoods with canopy replacement mandates; Daytona Beach LDC Art. 11 requires permits for 4+ inch DBH; Ormond Beach protects live oaks 24+ inches as heritage. Clear-cutting for development triggers tree survey and mitigation under FL §163.045 (which preempts some residential removals for certified dangerous trees).