Tallahassee Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Leon County, Florida

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

8.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected tree: 8 inches DBH or greater. Heritage/patriarch trees: live oak ≥27 inch DBH and designated species receive heightened protection. Leon County Environmental Management Act also applies city-wide.

Protected Species

Patriarch and champion designations: live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥27 inch DBH southern magnolia bald cypress and other native hardwoods.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage and patriarch designations per the Tallahassee-Leon County Environmental Management Act and City Code Chapter 5 apply to live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥27 inch DBH, southern magnolia, bald cypress, and other designated native hardwoods; removal requires demonstrated hardship or hazard with enhanced mitigation.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for protected or patriarch trees. Development applications require tree survey and preservation plan under Environmental Management Act.

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

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, disposition, and mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for patriarch/heritage trees

On-site replacement with approved native species; payment to Tree Bank accepted in lieu.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$50.00

Application fee plus mitigation-in-lieu based on replacement calculation.

Processing Time

3-6 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Tallahassee-Leon County Environmental Management Act / City Code Chapter 5 (Urban Forestry)

View full ordinance

Contact

Growth Management / Environmental Services

(850) 891-7001

Other Florida cities

Bradenton Cape Coral Fort Myers Hollywood Melbourne Miramar Orlando Plantation
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Compare with nearby cities

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

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Tallahassee →

See Florida permit fees compared: How Tallahassee's $50.00 fee ranks in Florida →

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

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

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