Fort Myers Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Lee County, Florida

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

4.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected tree: 4 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Historic and specimen trees receive enhanced protection. Mangrove removal separately regulated by state rule under FL Statute 403.9321-9333.

Protected Species

Specimen designations include live oak bald cypress slash pine gumbo limbo and other native species. Mangroves separately regulated under state rule (FL Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act) enforced by FDEP.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen and historic designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for designated native species; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for protected trees. Development sites require tree preservation review. Mangrove removal or trimming requires FDEP authorization under state rule. Hurricane-damaged trees with arborist hazard certification may qualify for expedited removal under FL Statute 163.045.

Who can apply: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, removal justification, site plan, and replacement/mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees

On-site replacement preferred with approved native or Florida-friendly species; tree trust fund in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Fort Myers Land Development Code (Tree Preservation)

View full ordinance

Contact

Community Development

(239) 321-7950

Nearby Cities in Lee County

Cape Coral

Other Florida cities

Boca Raton Fort Lauderdale Hialeah Miami Ocala Plantation Sarasota Tampa
See all Florida cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Fort Myers before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Fort Myers →

See Florida replacement obligations compared: How Fort Myers's replacement ratio ranks in Florida →

See Florida heritage criteria compared: How Fort Myers's heritage designation ranks in Florida →

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