Jacksonville requires tree removal permits for protected trees under Jax Ord. Code Ch. 656, Part 12, Subpart B (Tree Protection) and City Charter Article 25. No person may cut down, remove, damage, or destroy any protected tree without authorization per §656.1205. Permits are issued based on tree protection standards in §656.1203. The Tree Commission (Ch. 94) advises on tree policy. Mitigation through replacement planting or contribution to the Tree Protection Trust Fund is required.
Jacksonville's tree preservation ordinance for city limits protects significant trees from indiscriminate removal. Trees exceeding 6-8 inches in diameter at breast height (4.5 feet above grade) may require removal permits. Heritage or specimen trees — those of exceptional size, age, or species significance — have additional protections and may require mitigation planting or fees if removed. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may be removed without permits but documentation is recommended. Development projects must submit tree surveys and preservation plans identifying which trees will be retained, relocated, or removed with replacement plantings.
Removing protected trees without permits carries fines of $500–$5,000 per tree and mandatory replacement planting at 2:1 or 3:1 ratios. Unpermitted clearing on development sites may stop the project.
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