do you need a permit to cut down a tree

Do You Need a Permit to Cut Down a Tree in Florida – All You Need to Know

One of the main questions that come to mind when you want to cut down a tree is “do you need a permit to cut down a tree?” This is a valid question to ask as there are stringent laws in place in Florida to stop the illegal cutting down of endangered tree species.

So before you even consider cutting down a tree that is encroaching on your property, you should know that there are hefty fines that you can incur if the authorities deem your action to be illegal.

Fortunacalltoy for you, this fiasco can be easily subverted if you follow a few simple guidelines prescribed by leading tree removal experts.

Why do you need a license to cut trees in Florida?

Florida is one of the states that experience extreme heat waves during the summer. The only respite from the heatwaves is presented by trees of the ecosystem.

Moreover, trees reduce soil erosion, provide ecological diversity, and are home to numerous species of bugs, rodents, reptiles, and birds.

So the entire philosophy behind needing a license to cut down trees is to dissuade unlawful felling of trees that hamper the climate of the region.

So, Florida was one of those states where if you asked the question, “Do you need a permit to cut trees?”, the answer would have been “Yes.”

Is the legislation valid for private properties too?

The law was valid for private properties too until 2019. In 2019, legislation was passed that enabled property owners to trim, cut, prune, and do anything to the trees that stood on their properties. The legislation banned the local authorities from having any say in the matter.

Are there any exceptions to the rule?

Like almost every other rule in the book, this one too comes with its own set of exceptions. But you need not worry about it too much. We will give you a basic idea of how the exceptions work and in which instances you should be aware of them.

The mangroves along the shoreline are strictly off-limits. They protect the shoreline from calamities like tsunamis. So it would be wise if you steer clear of mangroves. Even if you wish to trim mangroves, you can only do that if are between the heights of 6 feet and 10 feet. Anything more than 10 feet, you would need a specially issued permit. In some cases, you will be strictly prohibited.

There is another notable exception but rather than the type of trees, it concerns itself with the area of the situation of the tree. If a tree falls under a canopy road protection zone (an area where most of the overhead canopy comes from native trees) the tree might be protected from removal at any cost.

What is the legal process of removing a potentially dangerous tree?

Although you do not require a permit to cut trees on your property, you do require a certain document. You need to have a signed document from a landscape architect or a certified arborist that states that the tree poses danger.

This document will make local authorities waive any permit requirement for the removal of the tree. We will, however, implore you to employ a tree removal service as cutting down a tree is not only dangerous to people, but the tree can also cause serious damage to architecture, roads, and vehicles.

We, at Morris Tree Service, guarantee a complecalltoy safe tree removal. Our 20+ years of experience and countless satisfied customers will bear testimony to that.

What exactly makes a tree dangerous?

There are quite a few unmistakable signs that a tree exhibits when it becomes a hazard to its surroundings. It is pretty basic, but we have compiled a list for your convenience.

  • Hollow trunk/ Deadwood
  • Extensive damage to the roots
  • High tilt towards a side
  • Unnatural proximity to the property
  • Weak, stooping branches

Protect your home from potentially hazardous trees

So, if the question “do you need a permit to cut down a tree?” still makes you think, feel free to contact us. Our Pasco County tree removal service will be there to carry out the entire process without letting any harm befall your property.

Remember that old tree that leans dangerously towards your property every time a hurricane rolls in? Contact us today to get it removed.