Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Tallahassee?

Short answer: for an ordinary yard tree at a single-family home inside city limits, often not. You do need one for very large trees and for trees in a few protected places. Four things decide it: whether you are in the City or unincorporated Leon County, the size and type of tree, where it stands, and whether a certified arborist has documented that it is dangerous.

Tallahassee Tree Match is a free matching service, not a tree company and not a government office. This page is general information from the City, County and state sources linked below, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm for your parcel before work starts.

Step 1: City of Tallahassee or Leon County?

Inside city limits, tree removal is regulated by the City’s Growth Management Department under Chapter 5 of the Tallahassee Land Development Code (Section 5-83). Outside city limits, in unincorporated Leon County, it is handled by the County’s Development Support & Environmental Management office. A “Tallahassee” mailing address does not prove you are inside city limits, so ask if unsure.

Inside city limits: the 36-inch rule for single-family homes

On lots developed with a single-family detached home, the City code exempts the removal of non-patriarch trees up to 36 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) from permits and replanting. The City’s own FAQ lists trees over 36 inches DBH as protected on these lots. (City FAQ: tree protection standards; Sec. 5-83(c)(3) as amended by Ordinance 11-O-12)

How to measure: DBH is taken about 4.5 feet above the ground. Wrap a tape around the trunk at that height and divide by 3.14. A trunk about 113 inches (roughly 9 ft 5 in) around is about 36 inches across. If your tree is close, call the City before cutting.

Even on a single-family lot, the City’s tree removal application lists these as needing review regardless of the 36-inch rule:

State-recognized patriarch trees.
Wetland trees of any size.
Canopy road trees, meaning trees within 100 feet of the centerline of a designated canopy road. The application says to contact a Growth Management Environmental Inspector at (850) 891-7001, Option 3.

Source: City of Tallahassee tree removal permit application (reference copy dated 2016).

Rental, multi-family and commercial property

Thresholds are much lower for other property: the City FAQ protects dogwoods and lot-perimeter trees over 4 inches DBH, hardwoods and longleaf pines over 12 inches, and other trees over 18 inches. (City FAQ)

How a City tree permit works

Without a larger development project, you apply for a stand-alone tree permit covering no more than 10 trees. You submit a site map with each tree’s location, species and size, plus how you will compensate for the loss: a fee in lieu, replanting, or trees preserved on site. Approved permits arrive as a PDF through the City’s ePlan Review. (City: Tree Permit)

Reasons the City lists for approving removal of a protected tree include a safety hazard, disease or pests, and reasonable use of the property. The reference application also asks for a notarized owner affidavit and a location map, and lists a $273 fee. That copy is from 2016, so confirm the current fee. For questions, the City says to call (850) 891-7001, option 4, and ask for engineering staff. (City FAQ: who to speak to about tree removal)

City exemptions that need a City decision

Section 5-83(c) exempts some removals, but most need the City to sign off first:

Emergencies: removal during or after an emergency or act of nature, when the director determines permitting would hamper work to restore order.
Safety hazards: a tree the director finds so dangerous it needs immediate removal.
Diseased or pest-infested trees, removed to stop the spread.
Certain invasive trees, such as Chinese tallow, mimosa, tung oil, Chinese umbrella tree and chinaberry, once verified by the City urban forester or Growth Management.

Sources: Ordinance 11-O-12 and Ordinance 12-O-14AA (amendments to Sec. 5-83). Read the current code on Municode.

Unincorporated Leon County

Leon County says that in some cases trees on developed lots can be removed without a permit, but the answer is site-specific. Factors include Canopy Road Protection Zones, wetlands, floodplains, lake Special Development Zones, significant or severe slopes, other conservation and preservation areas, and your zoning. The County also says trees documented by a certified arborist as a safety hazard may be removed without a permit. Its Environmental Service Advisor takes tree questions at (850) 606-1300. (Leon County Environmental Services FAQ)

If you do need one, the County’s Tree Removal Permit application (last updated May 1, 2024) lists a $114 fee for the first 100 protected trees, a notarized affidavit signed by all owners, a legal description, a location map and a short narrative. It gives a staff review period of 10 working days. (Leon County tree removal permit application)

Canopy roads (City and County)

Tallahassee’s canopy road system covers 78 miles of road, about 20 miles inside the city and 58 in unincorporated Leon County. Each canopy road has a tree protection area covering all land within 100 feet of the road’s centerline. If your lot fronts one, call before any work near the road. The County page links to a map. (Leon County: Canopy Roads)

Florida’s hazard-tree law (s. 163.045)

A state law passed in 2019 (and amended in 2022) limits local permit rules for dangerous trees at single-family homes. Under Florida Statute 163.045:

It applies to residential property: a single-family, detached building on a lot actively used for single-family living.
You need documentation: an on-site assessment following the ISA’s Best Management Practices – Tree Risk Assessment (2nd ed., 2017), signed by an ISA-certified arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect.
It must show the tree poses an unacceptable risk to people or property, meaning removal is the only practical way to bring the risk below “moderate.”
With that documentation, a local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee or mitigation, and may not require replanting.

It does not cover a tree you simply do not want, or an attached townhome or condo. Get the signed assessment before the tree comes down and keep a copy. You can verify an ISA certification and look up a Florida landscape architect license.

Trees in the right-of-way

Trees in the public right-of-way, often the strip next to the street, are generally the City’s or County’s to maintain and remove, not yours. A City urban forestry specialist advised reporting dead right-of-way trees to the City’s Community Beautification department (inside the city) or to Leon County Public Works. Your survey or parcel record shows where your property actually ends. (Tallahassee Democrat, “So whose tree is it?” (2016))

Before you cut: a quick checklist

City or County? Confirm which rules apply to your address.
Measure the trunk at 4.5 feet. In the city, note whether it is near or over 36 inches DBH.
Check the location. Is the tree within 100 feet of a canopy road centerline, or in or near a wetland, floodplain or steep slope?
If it is dangerous, get a signed risk assessment from an ISA-certified arborist first.
Get it in writing. Your quote should say who handles any permit and what is included. For prices, see our Tallahassee tree removal cost guide.
Keep the paperwork: permit, arborist report and photos.

Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my own yard in Tallahassee?

Inside city limits, at a single-family detached home, usually not if the tree is under 36 inches in diameter at breast height and is not a patriarch, wetland or canopy road tree. In unincorporated Leon County it depends on your lot; call the County Environmental Service Advisor at (850) 606-1300.

How do I tell if my tree is 36 inches in diameter?

Measure around the trunk about 4.5 feet above the ground and divide by 3.14. A trunk about 113 inches (9 ft 5 in) around is about 36 inches in diameter. If you are close, ask the City first.

Can I remove a dangerous tree without a permit?

At a single-family detached home, yes, if you first get a signed on-site risk assessment from an ISA-certified arborist or Florida-licensed landscape architect showing an unacceptable risk (Fla. Stat. 163.045). Then the City or County cannot require a permit, fee or replanting.

What about a tree that came down in a storm or hurricane?

The City code exempts removal after an emergency or act of nature when the director decides permitting would slow recovery. That is a City decision, not an automatic pass. If wires are involved, stay clear and call 911 and your electric utility.

Can my tree service apply for the permit for me?

Yes, both applications have a place for an agent, but the owner still signs a notarized affidavit (the County asks for every owner). Get in writing who is handling the permit.

Is a tree near the street mine or the City’s?

Trees in the public right-of-way are generally the City’s or County’s, not yours. Your survey shows the real property line. Report a dead right-of-way tree to the City or Leon County Public Works instead of cutting it.

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