Remove a Tree

​​Tree Removal

The removal of regulated trees in unincorporated Alachua County requires a tree removal permit. This permit is necessary to help manage healthy canopy renewal. Depending on the size and quality of trees to be removed, mitigation plantings or fee in lieu of planting may be required. Similarly fines maybe assessed when regulated trees are removed without a permit. Request a tree permit form by emailing treepermit@alachuacounty.us to remove regulated trees in Alachua County, or visit the Growth Management Tree Permitting webpage.

Learn more about the Alachua County’s Tree and Native vegetation codes by visiting the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) section 406, Article 2: Alachua County’s Trees and Native Vegetation Code.

State Legislation

163.045 Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property.—

(1) For purposes of this section, the term:

(a) “Documentation” means an onsite assessment performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a Florida licensed landscape architect and signed by the certified arborist or licensed landscape architect.

(b) “Residential property” means a single-family, detached building located on a lot that is actively used for single-family residential purposes and that is either a conforming use or a legally recognized nonconforming use in accordance with the local jurisdiction’s applicable land development regulations.

(2) A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. A tree poses an unacceptable risk if removal is the only means of practically mitigating its risk below moderate, as determined by the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017).

(3) A local government may not require a property owner to replant a tree that was pruned, trimmed, or removed in accordance with this section.

(4) This section does not apply to the exercise of specifically delegated authority for mangrove protection pursuant to ss. 403.9321-403.9333.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2019-155; s. 1, ch. 2022-121.

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