Tree Cutting in Orange County, FL

Tree problems in Orange County, FL that call for tree cutting

1. 1

   When a county permit isn't needed

   Orange County's tree code (Chapter 15, Article VIII) exempts tree removal on occupied single-family residential lots of two acres or less. That covers most homeowners in unincorporated communities like Pine Hills, Azalea Park, Doctor Phillips and much of east Orange County. HOAs, deed restrictions and conservation easements may still apply, and cities inside the county have their own rules.

2. 2

   Larger lots, development and specimen trees

   On properties that don't qualify for the exemption, applications are reviewed by the Zoning Division's arborists, and a tree survey by a professional surveyor must show all regulated trees 8 inches DBH and greater, plus specimen and heritage trees. Specimen and heritage trees can't be removed within property-line setbacks or buffer areas, including wetland buffers, and must be designed around near parking lots and stormwater ponds.

3. 3

   Aging laurel oaks and inland hurricanes

   Like Orlando, unincorporated Orange County has many mid-century laurel oaks now decaying and failing. Hurricanes Ian (2022) and Milton (2024) brought trees down well inland on saturated sandy soil. Exempt or not, a decaying laurel oak over the house is worth removing before the next season; see [hazardous tree removal in Orlando](/tree-removal/florida/orlando/hazardous-tree-removal/).

4. 4

   Lake lots, wetlands and buffers

   Orange County is dotted with lakes, and many homes back onto shorelines or wetlands. Wetland buffers are among the areas where specimen and heritage trees can't be removed, and shoreline vegetation often has its own protections. If your lot touches a lake or wetland, ask the Zoning Division Arbor Office before removing trees near the water, even if the house itself qualifies for the single-family exemption.