Tree rules in Orlando: permits, protected trees and fees
What the Orlando City Code says about protected trees of 10 inches and larger, the tree removal and tree encroachment permits, undisturbed areas around retained trees, specimen and historic trees and the US$15,000 fine for removing one without a permit.
Checked against the sources at the bottom of this page on October 9, 2026. Rules, fees and pay change: the source has the last word.
This page reports what the official source says. It is not legal advice: ask the office named here. It describes the City of Orlando, Florida, Code of Ordinances as published on the Municode site and read on October 9, 2026: chapter 60 part 2B Tree Removal and Protection (sections 60.206 to 60.214) and chapter 65 part 6F Tree Permits with its standards for tree removal (sections 65.640 to 65.649). The wider list of cities is on the guide to tree permits in the largest US cities. Both chapters name the Parks Official as the person who reviews applications. Chapter 60 refers to exemptions under Florida Statutes, and chapter 65 names section 163.045 of the Florida Statutes.
Which trees are protected
Section 60.207 says any existing tree with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 10 inches or larger, measured 4.5 feet above the ground, is a protected tree, except invasive exotic species, which the section says should be replaced. It is unlawful to destroy, permanently injure or remove one directly or indirectly without a Tree Removal Permit, unless exempt by Florida Statutes. It is also unlawful to encroach into the minimum undisturbed area without a Tree Encroachment Permit from the Parks Official.
Under section 60.210 the Parks Official may designate protected trees as specimen or historic trees. A specimen tree is one of outstanding mature size, excellent form and health, and includes champion trees identified by the Florida Division of Forestry or American Forests. A historic tree is any healthy tree with a trunk of 30 inches dbh or more. Owners may ask for designation with an expert evaluation. The section calls removal of either kind without a permit an irreparable and irreversible violation and sets a fine of up to US$15,000. The factors it lists for the amount are the gravity of the violation, the steps the violator took to correct it and any earlier violations.
Removal and encroachment permits
| Item | What the Code says |
|---|---|
| Tree Removal Permit, 65.640 | Needed to remove any tree of 10 inches dbh or larger from real property, unless exempt by section 163.045 of the Florida Statutes. The application goes on the Parks Official's form with a nonreturnable fee set by City Council resolution. Denials are explained to the applicant in writing |
| Tree Encroachment Permit, 65.641 | Needed to place structures or impervious paving in the minimum undisturbed area of a tree of 10 inches dbh or larger. The Parks Official may attach conditions such as compensatory crown pruning by removing lateral branches rather than topping, root treatment, and measures against shock from fill |
| Expiry, 65.642 | A permit not tied to a site plan, building permit or subdivision plat is void 90 days after issue |
| Appeals, 65.644 | Written notice to the Families, Parks, and Recreation Director with a copy to the City Clerk within 10 days after the written decision |
Section 65.645 says removal of a tree of 10 inches dbh or larger is prohibited, but a permit may be approved where design changes are not feasible and one of several circumstances exists. They are: the tree blocks necessary travel lanes in a street or alley, blocks utility lines or drainage that cannot feasibly be rerouted, blocks all reasonable access, or precludes reasonable use of the property. They also include a tree that is a Category I or II invasive exotic, a tree that is a hazard that cannot reasonably be mitigated without removal, and a dying or dead tree or one with poor health that makes restoration impractical or that has a disease expected to spread. Section 60.209 says approved removals are met with replacement trees or caliper inches of equivalent environmental benefit, or a monetary payment under the permit fee schedule. It also says the Parks Official may waive a permit fee where the tree's health, structure or location poses a hazard, or where it is an invasive exotic.
Section 65.648 says all tree pruning, trimming and removal must meet ANSI Z133 and ANSI A300. Section 65.649 lets the Parks Official approve a timber cruise by a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester in place of a tree survey on densely forested sites of two acres or more.
Undisturbed areas
| Case, section 60.211 | Minimum undisturbed area |
|---|---|
| On-site trees, standard | Radius of 0.75 feet per inch of dbh from the tree's center |
| Retained trees of 6 inches dbh or less | 5 feet |
| Maximum | 24 feet |
| Off-site trees within 10 feet of the property line | 0.5 feet per inch of dbh, not beyond the site's building restriction line |
| Palms | None under 10 inches dbh; 24 inches from the trunk base at 10 inches or more |
Section 60.212 bars development and temporary construction, including digging, trenching, lay-down areas and parked vehicles, in the undisturbed area. It requires fencing before construction, with posts at least 1.5 by 3.5 inches standing at least 3 feet above ground and no more than 6 feet apart, linked by rope, chain or net fabric. Section 60.213 lists limited construction that can proceed with a Tree Encroachment Permit, such as sidewalks built on existing grade, tunnelled utilities and grade changes of 5 inches or less. It exempts sodding and ground cover, and occasional parking after a certificate of occupancy.
Enforcement
Section 60.208 makes unlawful removal and failure to protect trees a violation enforced under chapter 5 of the City Code, with owner and agent jointly and individually responsible. The Code Enforcement Board may require replacement trees of at least 3 inches caliper each, with a total caliper not below the dbh of the removed or damaged trees, planted where the Parks Official approves. Section 60.209 says the permit fee schedule includes recommended penalties for unlawful removal.
Sources
- City of Orlando, Code of Ordinances chapter 60 part 2B Tree Removal and Protection, sections 60.206 to 60.214, on Municode, read October 9, 2026
- City of Orlando, Code of Ordinances chapter 65 part 6F Tree Permits, sections 65.640 to 65.644, on Municode, read October 9, 2026
- City of Orlando, Code of Ordinances chapter 65 standards for tree removal, sections 65.645 to 65.649, on Municode, read October 9, 2026