Removal of a protected, specimen, or required-landscape tree under Fort Myers Chapter 138 (Vegetation), Article II (Landscaping, including § 138-46), generally triggers replacement with same-or-compatible native species. Replacement is typically calibrated to the size class of the removed tree, with mitigation enforced through the Building, Permitting & Inspections Division at landscape plan review.
Fort Myers Chapter 138 — Vegetation, Article II (Landscaping) and § 138-46 (Conflict provisions) — and Article III (Trees) form the substantive replacement framework. Under Article II, required landscape plantings (perimeter buffer trees, parking-lot interior trees, street trees) that are removed must be replaced in kind. For specimen and protected native trees, the City requires replacement scaled to the diameter at breast height (DBH) of the removed tree, typically using a species drawn from the City's native/Florida-Friendly list. Replacements are inspected as a condition of permit closeout and Certificate of Occupancy. Mangroves are not replaceable under Chapter 138 — mangrove trimming or removal is permitted separately by FDEP under FS 403.9321-403.9333. FS 163.045-exempt removals on single-family residential lots are not subject to City replacement requirements when the ISA-certified arborist documentation is in place.
Failure to install required replacement trees voids the tree-removal permit and blocks issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for new construction. Existing owners can be cited by Code Compliance under Chapter 138 with mandatory installation and Special Magistrate fines under Chapter 2, Article V. Replacement trees that die within the City's establishment period can shift replacement liability back to the owner.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fort Myers, FL
The City of Fort Myers Code of Ordinances does not prohibit artificial turf on residential property. Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FS 373.185) protects water...
Fort Myers, FL
Florida Statute 373.185 establishes Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) as a protected statewide policy. A local government ordinance or HOA covenant may not ...
Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers Code of Ordinances Chapter 90, Article III (Water Shortage Regulations) enforces year-round landscape irrigation limits aligned with SFWMD Chapter...
Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers Code Compliance enforces a citywide 12-inch maximum height for grass, weeds and underbrush on all property, including vacant lots, plus the adjace...
Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers Chapter 138 (Vegetation) of the Land Development Code, including Section 138-46, governs protected-tree removal and requires permitting through th...
Fort Myers, FL
On a single-family residential lot, Florida Statute 163.045 prevents the City of Fort Myers from requiring a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or m...
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