City of Tallahassee Tree Removal — What is Public, What is Private
Confused about whether the city handles your tree or you do? This guide explains who owns which trees in Tallahassee, when the city removes them at no cost, and exactly when you need a private arborist plus a Section 5-83 permit.
Call (850) 619-0000 Tap to Call - Free QuoteThe simple version: who removes which tree
The City of Tallahassee handles trees in three zones: public right-of-way (the strip between the sidewalk and the street curb on city-maintained roads), city parks, and city-owned property. Everything else, including trees inside your fence line, on your lawn, in your back yard, or even hanging over your driveway, is the homeowner responsibility, even if branches drop into the street.
If a city tree is dead, hazardous, or has fallen, the Urban Forestry Division at 850-891-6500 handles it at no cost to homeowners. That is the genuinely free tree removal you can count on. Private trees? You are on the hook, but you also need a city permit before you remove them, under municipal code Section 5-83.
How to tell if a tree is city or private
The boundary is not always obvious. Stand on the city sidewalk in front of your house and look at the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street. That strip is public right-of-way and the city owns the trees in it. Anything past the sidewalk toward your house is your property. If there is no sidewalk, the city right-of-way typically extends 5-7 feet into what looks like your front yard, measured from the back of the curb. Property surveys and Leon County GIS (leoncountyfl.gov/maps) can give you the exact boundary.
Tallahassee Urban Forestry Division: 850-891-6500 - Mon-Fri 8a-5p - After hours and emergencies: 850-891-4968 (city 24/7 line)
When you need a private arborist (and a Section 5-83 permit)
If the tree is on your private property, you handle it. But Tallahassee is not a do-whatever-you-want town when it comes to trees. The protected-tree ordinance (Section 5-83) requires a permit before removing trees of certain species and sizes, even on your own land. We file these permits for you as part of the work.
When a Section 5-83 permit is required
The City of Tallahassee requires a tree-removal permit for any regulated tree, generally any healthy hardwood with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8 inches or more, plus certain species at any size (live oaks 8 inches plus, southern magnolia 8 inches plus, longleaf pine 18 inches plus, bald cypress 8 inches plus, and others). The full species list is on the city Growth Management Department site. Hazardous trees that pose imminent threat can be removed without prior permit, but you must document the hazard with arborist photos and Florida Statute 163.045 paperwork within 14 days. We provide all the documentation.
When a permit is NOT required
You do not need a Section 5-83 permit for: dead trees confirmed dead by an ISA-certified arborist, invasive species (Chinese tallow, mimosa, camphor, Bradford pear - the city actually wants these removed), trees under the size threshold for their species, or trees inside an HOA-approved private easement with HOA written authorization. Storm-damaged trees can be removed without prior permit if you document the damage immediately (photos timestamped within 72 hours of the storm event).
What happens if you remove a regulated tree without a permit
Fines for unpermitted removal of a regulated tree run from $1,000 to $5,000+ per tree depending on size and species, plus mitigation requirements (you may have to plant replacement trees on a 1:1 caliper-inch basis). The city does enforce. Neighbors call. Do not risk it - we file the permit on your behalf and the cost is rolled into our quote.
Common tree-ownership scenarios in Tallahassee
Tree fell on my house from city right-of-way
City handles the tree itself. Your insurance handles the damage to your house. Both proceed in parallel - call Urban Forestry (850-891-6500) for the tree, and your insurance for the structure damage. We can document both sides if you need it.
My private tree is leaning over the sidewalk
Your tree, your responsibility - even though it is threatening public space. Get an arborist inspection. If we determine it is hazardous, we file the Florida Statute 163.045 documentation and Section 5-83 permit and remove it. The city does NOT remove private hazard trees, even when they threaten city infrastructure.
Neighbor tree drops branches onto my property
You can legally trim back branches that overhang your property line, but only the parts on your side. You cannot enter your neighbor property to cut, and you cannot damage the tree structural integrity. We handle this professionally with Section 5-83 awareness for the neighbor tree.
Storm just hit, tree is on my roof
Emergency removal is permitted without prior Section 5-83. We dispatch 24/7, document the hazard with timestamped photos, and provide the Florida Statute 163.045 paperwork your insurance needs. See our emergency tree service page for more.
Buying a house with a big oak - can I remove it later?
Maybe. Depends on the species, size, and condition. Live oaks 8 inches plus DBH require a permit and the city often denies removal for healthy specimens. Get an arborist inspection BEFORE closing if removal is part of your plan.
I want to remove a tree to build a deck/pool
Construction-related removal needs a Section 5-83 permit AND the city typically requires you mitigate (plant replacement trees on-site or pay into the city tree fund). We coordinate the permit process with your contractor site plan.
Frequently asked questions
Need help with a tree on your property? We file the permit for you.
Whether you are dealing with a hazard tree, a Section 5-83 permit application, a post-storm removal, or just want to know if your tree is your problem or the city, we will tell you straight. Free quote, free guidance, no pressure.
Call (850) 619-0000This page is informational. The City of Tallahassee Growth Management Department is the authoritative source for Section 5-83 ordinance interpretation and permit decisions; consult talgov.com or call 850-891-6500 for current rules. Florida Statute Section 163.045 governs hazard tree removal documentation.
