How to apply for a tree removal permit in Jacksonville, Florida

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Jacksonville's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 2-4 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. 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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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).

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Jacksonville: Property owner, authorized agent, or registered tree contractor.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey identifying species, DBH, condition, and proposed disposition; mitigation plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist preferred; commercial tree work requires appropriate licensing..

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Planning and Development / Tree Commission. Permit fee: $50.00. Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development.

    View the full Jacksonville ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Planning and Development / Tree Commission

(904) 255-7800

Other Florida permit walkthroughs

See Florida permit fees compared — Jacksonville's $50.00 fee in context.

See Florida replacement obligations compared — how Jacksonville's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Florida heritage criteria compared — how Jacksonville's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Jacksonville permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Jacksonville's required report sections. Free, no account required.

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