Tallahassee Tree Removal & Planting Ordinance

Land Use and Zoning Florida 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Florida

Tallahassee, Florida homeowners must follow city tree rules when removing, pruning or planting trees on private property or within public rights-of-way. This guide summarizes who enforces tree protections, when a permit is required, how to apply, and what to expect if the city issues a notice or penalty. It highlights protected trees, common exemptions, practical steps to obtain permission, and rights to appeal. Where the official ordinance text or fee amounts are not published plainly on the city site, this article notes that fact and points to the controlling official pages for full legal language and current forms.

Overview of City Tree Rules

City of Tallahassee regulates the protection, removal and planting of trees through municipal code and administrative procedures administered by the Urban Forestry Division and Development Services. Permits are commonly required for removal of protected trees or work in the public right-of-way; the controlling ordinance and definitions are available from the city code and municipal pages[1][2].

When a Permit Is Required

  • Removing trees designated as "protected" by the municipal code typically requires a written permit.
  • Work that impacts tree root zones when constructing driveways, pools or major landscaping may trigger a permit or mitigation conditions.
  • Emergency removals for hazardous trees often require after-the-fact notification or temporary permits; follow the Urban Forestry emergency procedures for immediate hazards[2].
Always contact the Urban Forestry Division before major tree work to confirm permit requirements.

Protected Trees and Exceptions

The municipal code defines which trees are protected (by species, size or location) and lists exemptions such as emergency removals, diseased trees presenting imminent risk, and trees removed as part of an approved development plan. See the city code for exact definitions and any size thresholds or species lists[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the Urban Forestry Division in coordination with Development Services or Code Enforcement, depending on the violation. Inspectors may issue notices, stop-work orders, and civil penalties. Specific monetary fine amounts are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed in the official ordinance text[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code for exact amounts and ranges[1].
  • Escalation: the ordinance may provide for higher fines or continuing penalties for repeat or continuing offences; details are not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to replace or replant trees, mitigation conditions, and referral to municipal court or lien processes.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Urban Forestry Division handles inspections and complaints; contact details and reporting procedures are on the city forestry page[2].
  • Appeals: the code sets appeal/review routes and any time limits; if not clearly stated on the public pages, consult the municipal code or contact Development Services for appeal deadlines and procedures[1].

Applications & Forms

  • Tree removal/permit application: available from the Urban Forestry or permitting pages; specific form names or numbers may be posted with instructions for submission[2].
  • Fees: fee schedules for permits are set by the city and published with the application when available; if the fee is not posted, it is not specified on the cited page[3].
  • Submission: most applications are submitted to Development Services or the Urban Forestry Division by mail, in person, or via the city permitting portal; follow the instructions on the official form page[3].

Action Steps for Homeowners

  • Before removing a tree, check whether it is protected by consulting the municipal code and contacting Urban Forestry for confirmation[1].
  • Obtain and submit any required tree removal permit with supporting documentation and the correct fee to Development Services or via the online portal[3].
  • If you receive a notice or stop-work order, follow the instructions, document compliance, and file an appeal within the code’s prescribed timeframe if you disagree (see municipal code)[1].
Removing a protected tree without a required permit can trigger enforcement actions and replacement obligations.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
Not always; removal of protected trees, trees in the right-of-way, or trees tied to development typically requires a permit—check the municipal code and consult Urban Forestry for your property specifics.[2]
How do I find out if a tree is protected?
Consult the definitions and protected tree lists in the city code and request a site review from the Urban Forestry Division for confirmation.[1]
Where do I get the tree removal application?
The form and submission instructions are available on the city’s permitting or Urban Forestry pages; if a specific form number is not published, contact Development Services to request the current application.[3]

How-To

  1. Contact the Urban Forestry Division to ask whether the tree is protected and whether a permit is required.[2]
  2. Download and complete the tree removal or planting permit application from the city permitting page and prepare any required arborist reports or site plans.[3]
  3. Submit the application with the required fee to Development Services or via the official portal and await permit approval before beginning work.
  4. If you receive enforcement action, follow directions on the notice and file an appeal within the time limits set by the municipal code if you wish to contest the decision.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Protected trees and right-of-way trees have special rules; always verify before work begins.
  • Permits and documented approval prevent fines and mandatory mitigation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tallahassee Code of Ordinances - Trees and related sections
  2. [2] City of Tallahassee Urban Forestry Division - permits, contacts, emergency procedures
  3. [3] City of Tallahassee Development Services - permits and application submission

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data