Orange County’s Efforts to Protect Trees

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Orange County is stepping up to give our trees the protection they deserve. New rules, adopted in 2023, make sure that, as our community grows, we keep the shade, beauty, and wildlife that make our neighborhoods special.

Background
This didn’t happen overnight. Back in 2021, Orange County began the journey of updating its 23-year-old tree preservation and removal ordinance. The process brought together voices from all sides—developers, landscape architects, and environmental advocates—each helping to shape a set of rules that balances growth with green space. In 2023, the Board of County Commissioners approved the updated ordinance, and it officially took root on March 15, 2024.

Keeping More Trees Where They Belong

Developers now follow stronger guidelines about which trees can be removed. Trees in parking lots, open spaces, neighborhoods, and around stormwater ponds are now much harder to cut down.

Focus on Bigger, Native trees

The ordinance gives extra attention to older native trees of a certain size. Mature trees like the Live Oak and Southern Magnolia, are now designated as Heritage Trees, along with Specimen Trees like Winged Elm, Turkey Oak, Longleaf Pine, Sweetgum, and Bald Cypress.

These trees, given their size, are especially important to our environment and community. They provide more shade, store more carbon, support local wildlife, capture more runoff, and contribute to the character and beauty of our neighborhoods. Because they’ve been growing for decades—sometimes even centuries—they’re not easily replaced. That’s why protecting them is a top priority.

More Trees Must Be Planted if One is Removed

If a protected tree is removed, the developer must plant new trees to make up for the lost canopy. Additionally, Specimen and Heritage trees must be replanted with larger trees at the time of planting:

  • If they remove a Specimen tree, it must be replaced with new trees that together add up to three times the size (in inches) of the one that was lost.
  • Heritage trees are even more special, so their replacement trees must add up to five times the size of the original.

However, developers are incentivized to keep these trees in place. Doing so can reduce permitting fees. The cost to remove a Heritage Live Oak tree begins at $21,200!

More Arborists on the Job

To help keep everything on track, the County’s Zoning Division has added more boots on the ground. The number of arborists has doubled—from three to six. These tree experts make sure the new rules are followed and that our urban canopy is in good hands.






Orange County is stepping up to give our trees the protection they deserve. New rules, adopted in 2023, make sure that, as our community grows, we keep the shade, beauty, and wildlife that make our neighborhoods special.

Background
This didn’t happen overnight. Back in 2021, Orange County began the journey of updating its 23-year-old tree preservation and removal ordinance. The process brought together voices from all sides—developers, landscape architects, and environmental advocates—each helping to shape a set of rules that balances growth with green space. In 2023, the Board of County Commissioners approved the updated ordinance, and it officially took root on March 15, 2024.

Keeping More Trees Where They Belong

Developers now follow stronger guidelines about which trees can be removed. Trees in parking lots, open spaces, neighborhoods, and around stormwater ponds are now much harder to cut down.

Focus on Bigger, Native trees

The ordinance gives extra attention to older native trees of a certain size. Mature trees like the Live Oak and Southern Magnolia, are now designated as Heritage Trees, along with Specimen Trees like Winged Elm, Turkey Oak, Longleaf Pine, Sweetgum, and Bald Cypress.

These trees, given their size, are especially important to our environment and community. They provide more shade, store more carbon, support local wildlife, capture more runoff, and contribute to the character and beauty of our neighborhoods. Because they’ve been growing for decades—sometimes even centuries—they’re not easily replaced. That’s why protecting them is a top priority.

More Trees Must Be Planted if One is Removed

If a protected tree is removed, the developer must plant new trees to make up for the lost canopy. Additionally, Specimen and Heritage trees must be replanted with larger trees at the time of planting:

  • If they remove a Specimen tree, it must be replaced with new trees that together add up to three times the size (in inches) of the one that was lost.
  • Heritage trees are even more special, so their replacement trees must add up to five times the size of the original.

However, developers are incentivized to keep these trees in place. Doing so can reduce permitting fees. The cost to remove a Heritage Live Oak tree begins at $21,200!

More Arborists on the Job

To help keep everything on track, the County’s Zoning Division has added more boots on the ground. The number of arborists has doubled—from three to six. These tree experts make sure the new rules are followed and that our urban canopy is in good hands.






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  • Share Hello: I had a tree removed by my property on 8227 Citrus Chase Dr. 32836. The tree was in danger of falling on my structure and the county removed it. It was located at the end of my driveway in our communities public space. I would like a replacement tree planted. Is there a service in the County where they will replace old trees with new ones to maintain the beauty of our neighborhood? on Facebook Share Hello: I had a tree removed by my property on 8227 Citrus Chase Dr. 32836. The tree was in danger of falling on my structure and the county removed it. It was located at the end of my driveway in our communities public space. I would like a replacement tree planted. Is there a service in the County where they will replace old trees with new ones to maintain the beauty of our neighborhood? on Twitter Share Hello: I had a tree removed by my property on 8227 Citrus Chase Dr. 32836. The tree was in danger of falling on my structure and the county removed it. It was located at the end of my driveway in our communities public space. I would like a replacement tree planted. Is there a service in the County where they will replace old trees with new ones to maintain the beauty of our neighborhood? on Linkedin Email Hello: I had a tree removed by my property on 8227 Citrus Chase Dr. 32836. The tree was in danger of falling on my structure and the county removed it. It was located at the end of my driveway in our communities public space. I would like a replacement tree planted. Is there a service in the County where they will replace old trees with new ones to maintain the beauty of our neighborhood? link

    Hello: I had a tree removed by my property on 8227 Citrus Chase Dr. 32836. The tree was in danger of falling on my structure and the county removed it. It was located at the end of my driveway in our communities public space. I would like a replacement tree planted. Is there a service in the County where they will replace old trees with new ones to maintain the beauty of our neighborhood?

    Pat Norris asked 12 days ago

    Hey Pat, thanks for your question.

     Orange County does not offer any kind of service where we replace trees in communities that were previously removed. Depending on your location in the County, you or the Homeowner’s Association may be responsible for maintenance and planting of trees within the right-of-way. The good news is that we routinely have free tree giveaway events. You could receive a tree, apply for a right-of-way utilization permit, and plant the tree. Always be sure to check with your HOA for any specific rules regarding plantings.

  • Share Do I need a permit to remove an Oak tree from my property? on Facebook Share Do I need a permit to remove an Oak tree from my property? on Twitter Share Do I need a permit to remove an Oak tree from my property? on Linkedin Email Do I need a permit to remove an Oak tree from my property? link

    Do I need a permit to remove an Oak tree from my property?

    about 2 months ago


    Great question! Whether you need a permit to remove an Oak tree depends on your property type and situation. For single-family or duplex homes, a permit is required if your lot is over 2 acres with an occupied home, or if the property is vacant. Multi-family or non-residential properties need a permit for tree removal. Trees in wetlands, conservation areas, or public rights-of-way may need additional approvals. If you’re not sure, contact the Zoning Division Arbor Office at 407-836-5807 or Arborist@ocfl.net to confirm whether your specific property needs a permit.

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Page last updated: 14 Aug 2025, 07:59 PM