Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Usually the answer is local: cities and counties write tree rules, often protecting large or particular trees, and a homeowners association can add its own. A tree between the sidewalk and the street often belongs to the city. Florida limits local permits when an arborist documents an unacceptable risk.

Tree Removal Permits, HOAs and State Rules

Who writes the rules

Source	What to check
City or county	A tree ordinance or forestry office: protected sizes or species, and whether dead or dangerous trees are treated differently
The public strip	Trees between sidewalk and curb often belong to the city; ask before touching one
Homeowners association	Approval for removing trees, even where the city requires none
The state	Rarely involved for one yard tree; Florida is the notable exception

The International Society of Arboriculture’s list for hiring a tree service includes checking local permits and licenses.

Florida

Section 163.045 of the Florida Statutes stops a city or county from requiring notice, an application, approval, a permit, a fee or mitigation for pruning, trimming or removing a tree at a single-family home when the owner has documentation that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. The documentation has to come from an ISA-certified arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect and follow the ISA tree risk assessment procedure. Replanting cannot be required, and the section does not cover mangroves.

Clearing land

Clearing that disturbs an acre or more falls under federal stormwater permit rules. Clearing a lot

In an emergency

When a tree is on a house, it comes off first. Photograph it beforehand for both the city and the insurer. Is it an emergency?

Checked against the sources below on 2026-10-11.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Who writes the rules

Florida

Clearing land

In an emergency

Sources

Other questions