While the City attempts to keep its Web information accurate and timely, the City neither warrants nor makes representations as to the functionality or condition of this Web site, its suitability for use, freedom from interruptions or from computer virus, or non-infringement of proprietary rights. Web materials have been compiled from a variety of sources and are subject to change without notice from the City as a result of updates and corrections.

All trademarks and service marks contained in or displayed on this website are the property of their respective owners. Any commercial use of the materials stored on this Web site is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of the City.

The City is neither responsible nor liable for any viruses or other contamination of your system nor for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions arising out of your use of the site or with respect to the material contained on the site, including without limitation, any material posted on the site. This Web site and all materials contained in it are distributed and transmitted "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation, warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The City is not responsible for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages that may arise from the use of, or the inability to use, this Web site and/or the materials contained on this Web site whether the materials are provided by the City or a third party.

In addition to the preceding terms and conditions the City, its officers, employees, agents or representatives shall not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from your use of the online payment service. Nothing contained in this Web site constitutes or is intended to constitute legal advice by the City or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives.

This Web site may contain links to other sites on the Internet, which are provided for the convenience of the user. The City is not responsible for and makes no representation about the content or material available on such other sites. Links are not intended to imply sponsorship, affiliation or endorsement by the City.

Communications via Web Site

Communications made through e-mail and messaging systems shall in no way be deemed to constitute legal notice to the City or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives, with respect to any existing or potential claim or cause of action against the City or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives, where notice to the City is required by any federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations.

__________________________________________________________

Pursuant Sec. 27-262(h) Exemptions: in accordance with State law, a permit shall not be required for the removal of a tree on residential property if and only if the property owner obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property (hereinafter “Appropriate Documentation”) and shall be exempt from replacement trees in accordance with this chapter.

Please be advised:

1.  No Tree Removal or Tree Trimming Permit is required for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property the property owner obtains the Appropriate Documentation that the tree presents a danger to persons or property consistent with Florida Statute section 163.045.

2.  A property owner cited for Tree Removal or Tree Trimming without permit will need to provide the Appropriate Documentation to validate the Tree Removal and(or) Tree Trimming activity under Statute 163.045. If a property owner does not have the Appropriate Documentation, then the property owner must apply for a Tree Removal Permit and mitigate according to City Code.

3.  Following removal of a tree on residential property pursuant to 163.045, if the property is not compliant with the Approved Landscape Plan for that property pursuant Sec. 27-255 or Sec. 27-257, upon the Code Enforcement Inspection, the City may initiate code enforcement proceedings against the property owner for non-compliance with the Approved Landscape Plan.

4.  Following removal of a tree on residential property pursuant to 163.045, if the property is not compliant with the minimum lot requirements for the number of trees pursuant Sec. 27-257(a)(b) as well as Sec. 27-254(a)(b), upon the Code Enforcement Inspection, the City may initiate code enforcement proceedings against the property owner for non-compliance with the minimum lot requirements.

5.  A Site Plan Modification shall be required for large residential developments with significant loss of tree canopy where the property owner believes that they cannot feasibly adhere to the Master Landscape Plan pursuant Sec. 27-254(a)(11) under current site specific circumstances. 

Florida Statute 163.045

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 obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk presents a danger 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)(2) 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)(3) This section does not apply to the exercise of specifically delegated authority for mangrove protection pursuant to ss. 403.9321-403.9333. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2022. 1 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Approved by the Governor May 18, 2022. Filed in Office Secretary of State May 18, 2022.