Avoid a costly mistake! Fill out the free permit application for removal of a tree within the proper city limits of Gulf Breeze. Removal without a permit is a violation of city ordinance and will result in both a fine and requirement to mitigate (replace) the trees per the code’s tree replacement formula.
All Tree Removal Permit Applications are reviewed by the Natural Resources Supervisor and acted upon by the City Manager. Since protected trees have aesthetic as well as historical value, permits for their removal may be issued by the City only upon showing by the applicant that one of the following criteria exists:
- Removal of the tree is essential to constructing proposed improvements and that no feasible alternative site plan will save such protect tree(s),
- Removal of the tree is essential for the public welfare that such tree be removed, as determined by the city.
- The tree is determined by the city to be dead, diseased, severely damaged, in danger of falling on an existing structure, or creates unsafe sight clearance for vehicles.
What is a “protected tree?”
Any tree with a diameter of 12 inches or greater, measured 4½ feet above grade unless specified below as an exempt, or invasive, species.
Do I need a permit to remove a protected tree?
Yes. Make sure that your contractor obtains the permit in order to avoid a costly penalty and mitigation, as the owner is almost always responsible for violations of the Tree Protection Ordinance.
No person, organization, society, association, corporation, or other government agency or any agent or representative thereof, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, remove or effectively destroy, through damaging, any tree as heretofore described, whether it be on private property or right-of-way within the defined limits of the city, without having first obtained a permit to do so in accordance with this article.
Do I need a permit to prune or trim a protected tree?
No. The pruning of trees as normal maintenance is exempt from permitting provided such pruning does not result in mutilation, death, or removal of the tree.
How much does a tree removal permit cost?
The City does not charge a permit fee for tree removals.
What trees are exempt from permitting?
Any tree listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s List of Invasive Species, which may be amended from time to time, shall be exempted from the terms and provisions of this article. Additionally, the following trees are exempted: Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel), sand pine (Pinus clausa). Pinus clausa shall only be exempted from the terms and provisions of this article in those instances when it is located on a developed lot in one of the following zoning districts: R-ES, R-1, R-1-A, R-1-AA, and TH.
Exemptions When a Tree Removal Permit is Unnecessary:
Natural Disaster: During the period of a declared state of emergency, such as a hurricane, tropical storm, flood or any other act of God, the requirements of this article may be temporarily waived by the city manager so that they will in no way hamper private or public work to restore order in the city.
All licensed plant or tree nurseries: Such licensed businesses are exempt from permit requirements only in relation to those trees planted and growing on the premises of said licensee, which are planted and growing for resale or intended sale to the general public in the ordinary course of said licensee’s normal business.
Franchised public utility companies and tree expert companies: These businesses are reviewed under separate provisions and may be exempt from the requirements of the Tree Protection Ordinance.
Letter by a Certified Arborist of Disease or Danger: FLA. STAT. § 163.045 (2020) Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. (1) A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property 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. (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. (3) This section does not apply to the exercise of specifically delegated authority for mangrove protection pursuant to ss. 403.9321-403.9333.
