Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Jacksonville, FL?

If you live in Jacksonville or Nassau County, you’ve likely had to deal with tree damage from tropical storms or hurricanes. In the past, removing a tree meant going through a long permit process with the city, but the rules have changed.

Understanding the current permit laws in Jacksonville, FL can save you time, money, and headaches, especially if your tree poses a risk to people or property. So, do you still need a tree removal permit in Jacksonville, FL?

The short answer is No. As of 2019, residential property owners in Jacksonville no longer need a city-issued tree removal permit, but there’s one important condition: You must have documentation from a certified arborist stating that the tree is dangerous or poses a risk to individuals or structures.

This change came with the passing of Florida’s Private Property Rights Law (HB 1159), which aimed to simplify the process for homeowners managing trees on their own land.

About Florida’s Tree Removal Law (HB 1159)

Here’s what this law means for tree removal permits in Jacksonville, FL:

• No city or county permit is required if a certified arborist confirms the tree is a danger.
• No replacement tree is required after removal (except in certain environmental zones, such as mangrove areas).
• Tree trimming and pruning do not require a permit if the tree is on residential property.
• Utility companies may trim or remove trees near power lines without local government approval.
• Local governments cannot require planting trees over 14 feet near electrical utilities.

Why You Need a Certified Arborist

Even though the city doesn’t issue permits anymore, you still need written confirmation from a certified arborist to legally remove a tree in Jacksonville, FL.

At Bushor’s Tree Surgeons, our ISA-certified arborists inspect your tree, determine its risk, and provide the proper documentation required under the new law. This protects you from fines, HOA issues, or future property disputes.

Jacksonville, FL Tree Removal Permit Guidance – From Local Experts

At Bushor’s Tree Surgeons, we make the process simple. Here’s how we help:

• Inspection by a certified arborist to determine if the tree qualifies for removal under HB 1159
• Written documentation you can keep for your records or present to local authorities if needed
• Safe tree removal, including clean-up and optional stump grinding
• Advice on replanting (if desired), even though it’s not required by law

We’ve worked with homeowners across Jacksonville and Nassau County, guiding them through the process quickly and professionally.

FAQs

Do I still need a permit to remove a tree on my residential property in Jacksonville or Nassau County?

For most homeowners, no permit is needed if you have written documentation from a certified arborist confirming that the tree poses a danger to people or structures. The arborist’s letter should include your address, the tree species, the specific risk, and the inspection date. Keep both a printed and digital copy for your records in case questions arise later.

This rule applies to residential properties under Florida’s HB 1159 law. However, commercial or multi-family properties may still require city approval. If your property includes protected areas like wetlands or conservation easements, you must follow additional environmental regulations.

What counts as a dangerous tree under Florida’s law, and what proof is needed?

A dangerous tree is one that presents a clear safety risk due to structural instability, disease, or decay. Common signs include heavy leaning, hollow trunks, root failure, and significant deadwood. Your ISA-certified arborist will perform a risk assessment and provide a signed report identifying these hazards.

Good documentation includes the arborist’s credentials, inspection date, photos, and a statement recommending removal for safety reasons. Keeping this documentation protects you if the city or an HOA ever questions the removal.

Are there any exceptions where permits are still required?

Yes. Some trees are located in environmentally sensitive or protected areas, such as wetlands, conservation zones, or shorelines. These may still require state or regional approval even if an arborist deems the tree hazardous.

Mangroves, for example, are protected under state law, and removing them without authorization can result in penalties. Likewise, trees growing on public land, in right-of-ways, or along utilities may need coordination with the city or local agencies before removal.

How do HOA rules affect tree removal under HB 1159?

Your homeowners’ association cannot require a city permit if you have valid documentation from a certified arborist, but they can still enforce their own landscaping and aesthetic rules. Some HOAs require prior notice, pre-approved vendors, or replacement plantings.

Always send a copy of the arborist’s letter to your HOA before starting work to avoid misunderstandings. Keeping communication clear ensures you comply with both state law and community standards.

What if my tree is healthy but blocking a view or dropping debris?

Florida’s tree law applies only to trees that pose a safety risk. If your tree is healthy but inconvenient—such as blocking sunlight, shedding leaves, or obscuring a view, you may still need to follow your city’s local guidelines or HOA rules for removal.

Your arborist can inspect the tree and help determine whether it qualifies as a hazard or simply needs maintenance such as pruning or thinning. If removal is approved, they can also provide stump grinding, debris cleanup, and advice on replanting with a more suitable species.

Need Help With a Tree Removal Permit in Jacksonville, FL?

You may not need a permit from the city anymore – but you do need the right documentation. Let our certified arborists handle the assessment and removal safely, legally, and efficiently.

📞 Call Bushor’s Tree Surgeons at (904) 789-8884 for a free estimate or to schedule an arborist visit.