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SUMMARY

A permit is required to remove a tree or multiple trees from private property, unless a property meets an exception in accordance with Section 15-279(a) of the county code. This page explains the basic requirements for submitting an application for a tree removal permit.

Submittal Process

  1. Determine if you need a Tree Removal Permit (see Frequently Asked Questions below).
  2. Submit your tree removal permit online through Orange County Fast Track. You must create an account to submit a permit online.

Submittal Guidelines

At a minimum, a tree removal permit application shall include the following information:

  1. Tree Removal Permit Application.
  2. A tree survey prepared by a professional surveyor (as defined in Section 15-277 of County Code) consisting of a drawing (one (1) inch equals three hundred (300) feet or better). The tree survey shall have been completed within two (2) years from the date of the application. Each survey shall indicate the following information:
    • Property boundaries.
    • All regulated trees and proposed preserved trees shall be identified with the following information:
      • Site location.
      • Diameter at Breast Height (DBH).
      • Common name.
      • Identification of heritage and specimen trees, if appropriate (Section 15-283).
      • Identification of existing and proposed easements.
      • Identification of any waterbodies, wetlands and other conservation areas.
  3. A site plan, landscape plan, or related plan may be required, showing the following information:
    • Existing and proposed improvements to the site, including proposed grading plan (if not part of a preliminary subdivision plan or development plan).
    • Removal and replacement calculation, including a schedule of trees to be planted indicating species, size, caliper, and location, consistent with Section 15-306 of County Code.
  4. Additional information may be requested from the applicant in order to complete the required review.
  5. Fees.

Review Process

  1. After a Tree Removal Permit is submitted, staff will review to determine if the application is sufficient within four days. If pertinent information or documents are missing, the applicant will be notified via email.
  2. Once the Tree Removal Permit is deemed sufficient, the application is reviewed by the Zoning Division Arborists for compliance with Chapter 15, Article VIII of Orange County code. Other affected divisions may also review, such as Development Engineering and the Environmental Protection Division. The review period is 14 days.
  3. An Arborist will conduct a site visit to verify the accuracy of the tree survey.
  4. If all code requirements are met, the permit is issued and the applicant will be notified via email.

Fees

  • Tree Permit Fee: (see Fee Directory)
    • Developed (Commercial, Industrial or Multi-family) - $247.98
    • Undeveloped/Lot Clearing (Result of violation) – $230.90
    • Timber Harvesting – Tree survey not required. - $177.60
    • Single-family or Duplex Greater than 2 Acres - $121.00
    • Bonafide Agricultural (Record keeping purposes only) – No fee
    • Voluntary Lot Cleaning (Record keeping purposes only) – No fee
  • Environmental Protection Division review fee $3 (if applicable)
  • Development Engineering review fee $38 (if applicable)
  • Mitigation fees may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Single or Two-Family (Duplex) Residential Property: A permit is required in the following circumstances:
    • Properties over two (2) acres in size that are developed with an occupied single-family residence; or
    • Any vacant/undeveloped property, regardless of size.

    • *Note: A property with an approved building permit for a single- or two-family (duplex) residence is permitted tree removal with the building permit for the building pad, the driveway, on-site disposal system and fifteen (15) feet around the principal building pad.

  • Multi-family or Non-Residential Property: No regulated tree shall be removed until approval is obtained:
    • A separate tree removal permit is typically not required for new development or redevelopment, as tree removal requests are submitted with the building permit or development approval (Preliminary Subdivision Plan or Development Plan).
    • For tree removal on existing developed sites, a tree removal permit is required. To confirm if a tree removal permit is required, contact the Zoning Division Arbor Office at 407-836-5807 or at Arborist@ocfl.net.
  • Trees within Wetlands or Conservation Areas: For any tree or trees located within a wetland, approval from the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) must first be obtained prior to conducting any removal activity. For more information pertaining to wetland permitting, visit www.ocfl.net/Environment/Wetlands. or contact EPD at 407-836-1402 or at wetlandpermitting@ocfl.net.
  • Trees within Public Right of Way: Please note that trees located in a county right-of-way are managed by the Roads and Drainage Division within Public Works. For general inquiries pertaining to these trees, please contact 407-836-7900. If the tree presents a life, health, or safety issue (e.g. sight line/tree elevation, threat of falling, etc.) or there are other maintenance issues, residents should report this by calling 3-1-1 or by utilizing the OCFL 311 App.

Trees that are 8 inches or greater in diameter at breast height (DBH). DBH is the width of the tree measured at 4 1/2 feet above ground, that are on the recommended stock list below:

Regulated Trees - Common Name
American Holly Dahoon Holly Longleaf Pine Sabal or Cabbage Palm Swamp Chestnut Oak
Bald Cypress Eastern Red Cedar Myrtle Oak Sand Live Oak Swamp Dogwood
Black Cherry Flowering Dogwood Pecan Scrub Hickory Sweet Bay
Black Gum Fringe Tree Pignut Hickory Scrub Oak Sweet Gumd>
Bluejack Oak Green Ash Pond Cypress Shumard Oak Sycamore
Chickasaw Plum Laurel Oak Red Bay Slash Pine Tulip Tree
Chinese Elm Ligustrum Red Buckeye Southern Magnolia Turkey Oak
Coast Pignut Hickory Live Oak Red Bud Southern Red Oak Water Oak
Crepe Myrtle Loblolly Bay Red Maple Spanish Oak Wild Olive-Devilwood
Cork Elm Loblolly Pine River Birch Sugarberry Winged Elm

If you are concerned about a neighbor’s tree, (leaning over your property, or you believe it is in danger of falling), this is a private civil matter between the two private land owners. The County has no authorization to compel a property owner to remove such a tree.

You may be able to seek legal advice through the free legal aid society at 407-841-8310 or https://www.legalaidocba.org/.

If you believe a property owner is cutting down trees or clearing property without authorization, contact the Zoning Arbor Office at 407-836-5807 or at Arborist@ocfl.net.

Cleaning is allowed, including the removal of underbrush, such as palmetto and shrubs, if such removal does not adversely affect regulated trees. Cleaning must be performed with mowing equipment instead of heavy earth moving machinery to retain vegetative cover for the purpose of wind and water erosion.

Contact Us

Zoning Division (Arbor Code Inquiries)
Phone: 407-836-5807
E-mail: Arborist@ocfl.net

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.