Tree Removal Permits

Tree Removal Permit Instructions: Florida Statutes & City of Edgewood Code

1. Florida State Statutes on Tree Removal Permits:

• Permits Not Always Required: According to Florida law, permits for tree removal are not always required, particularly if the tree is not considered a protected species or if the removal is due to safety concerns (e.g., a dead or hazardous tree). The statute allows for tree removal under certain conditions without needing a formal permit.
• Protected Species: However, trees that are part of protected species or located within certain environmental zones (e.g., wetlands) may still require a permit under state law, even if the removal is exempt locally.
• State vs. Local Regulation: While the state may not mandate a permit for removal in certain cases, the City of Edgewood prefers that you submit a permit application for record-keeping purposes, especially when tree removal occurs within residential or commercial areas.

2. City of Edgewood Tree Removal Permit (Code of Ordinances):

• Application Submission: In Edgewood, although a permit is not technically required by state law in all cases, the City requests that residents and property owners submit a tree removal permit application for documentation purposes. This helps ensure compliance with local regulations and allows the City to track tree removal activities within the community.
• Required Documentation: When applying, you'll typically need to provide:
  • Proof of the tree's condition from a certified arborists report (e.g., if it's dead, diseased, or a safety hazard).
  • A photograph of the tree(s) to be removed.
  • A description of why the tree needs to be removed (e.g., health, safety, or development reasons).
• Processing: The City of Edgewood will review your application to ensure that the tree removal does not violate local ordinances, particularly concerning the preservation of certain species or tree canopy requirements in the community.

3. Exemptions and Special Conditions:

• Dead, Diseased, or Dangerous Trees: If the tree is dead, diseased, or poses a danger to people or property, the City may expedite the approval process, but you may still need to file the application.
• Emergency Situations: In emergency cases (such as storms), immediate tree removal may not require a permit, but you should notify the City afterward for record-keeping.

4. Mitigation or Replacement:

• Tree Replacement: If the City approves the removal of a healthy tree, you may be required to plant a replacement tree or contribute to a reforestation fund, depending on the species removed and local ordinances.

5. Why the City Prefers a Permit Application:

• Record-Keeping: While Florida state law may not mandate a permit for all tree removals, the City of Edgewood prefers having a permit on file for record-keeping purposes. This helps the City track tree canopy loss, preserve urban green spaces, and ensure compliance with local environmental goals.