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Tree Removal Regulations

Regulated Tree: Any tree that requires a permit for removal. Regulated trees are qualified by species and size and refers primarily to native and naturalized trees.

The Gainesville Land Development Code requires mitigation for each regulated tree removed. The size (diameter), species, and condition of the tree, as well as the land use and where on the property the tree is located, will determine the mitigation. Mitigation trees must be nursery-grown, 2” ±0.5” in diameter, and Florida Nursery Grade #1. Please see “Sec. 30-8.7” Permits for Tree Removal; Mitigation” for more details. The “Gainesville Tree List(PDF, 237KB)” provides the species that are approved for mitigation and is available upon request.

Tree Removal Application(PDF, 268KB)

Important: Effective July 1st, 2019, HB1159 (F.S. 163.045) prohibits local governments from requiring "a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property if the property owner obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons and property." If you have questions about this new statute, please call our office to avoid any potential violations of the city's Land Development Code or this new state statute.

Tree Removal Permit and Replanting Agreement

Mitigation trees must be nursery-grown, 2” ± 0.5” in diameter, and Florida Nursery Grade #1. Please see “Sec. 30-8.7” Permits for Tree Removal; Mitigation” for more details. The “Gainesville Tree List(PDF, 237KB) ” provides the species that are approved for mitigation and is available upon request.

Find the tree removal permit application here(PDF, 230KB)

Regulations for Detached Single-Family Homes

Find out regulations for tree removal on a detached single-family home property:

Click Here(PDF, 457KB)

Regulations for all Other Land Uses

Find out regulations for tree removal for land of anything other than a detached single-family home:

Click Here(PDF, 383KB)

Removal and Replanting Process of Trees

Here is an iconographic for the removal and replanting process of the trees:

Removal and Replanting(PDF, 239KB)

Tree Pruning Regulations

Tree Pruning Regulations

The City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances contains pruning specifications which prohibit practices that contribute to tree hazards or decline. All trees may be pruned to maintain shape and promote their shade-giving qualities and to remove diseased or dying portions in areas where falling limbs could be a hazard to people or property. No more than 25 percent of the crown should be removed at one time. On young trees, limb removal shall leave no more than 33 percent of the trunk bare of branches.

Additional information regarding pruning specifications can be found in Sec 30-8.9 of the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances.

Questions? Urban Forestry Program 352-393-8171

High Quality Shade Tree List

Plant the right tree in the right place.

Learn how a proper landscape plan takes each tree into consideration.

High Quality Shade Tree List(PDF, 237KB)

How to Measure Your Tree

See this iconographic to help you measure your tree:

Click Here(PDF, 68KB)

Access Related Information

Related Information

Tree Removal Permit(PDF, 159KB) (to download, print and complete by hand) Permits can be scanned and emailed to urbanforestry@gainesvillefl.gov.
Sec. 30-8.7; Permits for Tree Removal; Mitigation
Sec. 30-8.8; Tree Preservation During Development and Construction
Sec. 30-8.10; Gainesville Tree List
Sec. 30-8.44; Violations, Enforcement and Penalty
Sec. 30-2.1 Definitions

Access Municode

Access City of Gainesville Municode

Verify an ISA Credential

This tool allows you to verify if an individual currently holds an ISA credential. It includes all individuals who are currently credentialed through the ISA credentialing program. Not all individuals listed are available for hire. To find an arborist to provide tree care services, use the Find an Arborist tool.