Jacksonville Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Duval County, Florida
Protected Tree Definition
Protected tree: any tree 8 inches DBH or greater measured 4.5 feet above grade. Heritage trees: live oaks 30 inches DBH or greater and bald cypress 24 inches DBH or greater receive heightened protection. Public trees in rights-of-way are regulated regardless of size.
Protected Species
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Heritage designations per Chapter 656 Part 12: live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥30 inch DBH and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) ≥24 inch DBH receive heightened protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation (2:1 or greater).
Permit Requirements
Tree Removal Permit required for removal of protected or heritage trees on any property. Development applications must include tree survey and preservation plan.
Who can apply: Property owner, authorized agent, or registered tree contractor
Required Report Sections
Tree survey identifying species, DBH, condition, and proposed disposition; mitigation plan
Replacement Requirements
Inch-for-inch mitigation (1:1 replacement DBH) for standard protected trees; 2:1 or greater for heritage trees
On-site replacement preferred; payment to the Tree Protection Trust Fund allowed when on-site replacement is infeasible.
Fees & Fines
- Permit fee
- $50.00
Application fee plus mitigation-in-lieu payments based on replacement-inch calculation.
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist preferred; commercial tree work requires appropriate licensing.
Municipal Code
Jacksonville Ordinance Code Chapter 656 Part 12 (Tree Protection)
View full ordinanceContact
Planning and Development / Tree Commission
(904) 255-7800
Other Florida cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Jacksonville before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Jacksonville →
See Florida permit fees compared: How Jacksonville's $50.00 fee ranks in Florida →
See Florida replacement obligations compared: How Jacksonville's replacement ratio ranks in Florida →
See Florida heritage criteria compared: How Jacksonville's heritage designation ranks in Florida →
Need an arborist report for Jacksonville?
Start your free TRAQ tree risk assessment — designed for Jacksonville's specific permit requirements.