Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Jacksonville?

Usually yes if the tree meets the protected diameter under Chapter 656. Health status does not exempt the tree from the process, but a report confirming the tree is dead or hazardous normally moves the review faster.

How long does a tree removal permit take?

Plan for one to four weeks in most of Duval County. Straightforward removals with a clear arborist report move at the faster end. Reviews tied to a larger development or conservation easement take longer.

What does the Planning and Development Department want in an arborist report?

Species, height, trunk diameter, canopy spread, health and structure findings, the reason for removal, and the retention options considered. An ISA Certified Arborist signs it.

Can I prune a protected tree without a permit?

Light deadwooding and standard maintenance pruning are usually allowed. Removing major limbs from a protected tree can require review. Call us and we will check the current Chapter 656 standard for your address.

What if a storm drops the tree tonight?

Clear the immediate danger, photograph everything first, then report the removal to the City the next business day. We write the emergency documentation insurers and the City accept, including for named-storm cleanup during hurricane season.

Home › Tree removal permits

Jacksonville tree removal permits, explained

Duval County and the surrounding jurisdictions each apply their own tree rules. This guide shows what triggers a permit, what you submit, and how we handle the paperwork for you.

Jurisdiction by jurisdiction

What triggers a tree permit in your area

Local departments review these standards regularly, so treat the table as a starting point. We confirm the current rule for your exact address before we quote the work.

City of Jacksonville (Duval County)

Permit trigger: Regulated trees over the protected diameter, and any tree removal tied to a building or land-development permit, under the Tree Protection Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 656 Part 12).
What you submit: Tree removal permit application through the Planning and Development Department, with a site plan showing trunk location and diameter.

Right-of-way and street trees stay with the City. Call Planning and Development before you touch anything near the curb.

St. Johns County (Ponte Vedra)

Permit trigger: Specimen and grand trees above the county's protected diameter, plus trees inside a platted conservation easement.
What you submit: Tree removal permit application with a certified arborist report describing species, diameter and condition.

HOA covenants in many Ponte Vedra communities add their own tree rules on top of the county code.

Clay County / Town of Orange Park

Permit trigger: Protected trees on lots tied to a site plan or subdivision approval, and heritage trees named in the land development code.
What you submit: Tree removal or replacement application filed with the county or town building department.

Dead or storm-damaged trees still need documentation, so book the inspection before removal.

City of Jacksonville Beach

Permit trigger: Protected trees on developed residential and commercial lots under the city's land development regulations.
What you submit: Tree removal permit with photos and, for larger trees, an arborist report addressing health and structure.

Salt exposure and storm history come up often in beachside inspections, so we note both in the report.

City of Atlantic Beach

Permit trigger: Trees above the protected size listed in the city code, including canopy trees on corner lots.
What you submit: Tree removal application through the city's community development department, with a site sketch.

Replacement planting is a common condition here even when the removal is approved.

We file the application for you

You do not have to read an ordinance or fight a form. Our ISA Certified Arborist inspects the tree, writes the report, submits the application and answers the reviewing arborist directly.

Ask about your permit See arborist reports

1We inspect the tree, measure the trunk diameter and record the species and condition.
2We check your address against the Chapter 656 protected-tree standards and any HOA covenant.
3We write the arborist report the Planning and Development Department asks for, with photos and a retention assessment.
4We submit the permit application, answer the reviewing arborist's questions and track the decision.
5Once the permit is approved, we book the crew and complete any replacement planting condition.

Bring these to the inspection

Your address and lot size, so we can check the Chapter 656 threshold
Photos of the tree, the trunk base and anything it threatens
Any City notice, code enforcement letter or HOA notice you have received
Your insurer's claim number if storm or hurricane damage is involved

Genuinely local, fully covered

Real crew, real address in Jacksonville

Daniel Hartley started the crew in 2011 and still signs off every arborist report. Call the office, ask for the certificates, and book with confidence.

Where we work from: Arborist JacksonvilleJacksonville, Florida, United States
Talk to an arborist: (904) 337-5334hello@arboristjacksonville.com
When we answer: Mon to Sat, 7am to 6pmStorm and emergency calls, 24 hours
Cover we carry: General liability insuredFlorida workers' compensation coverage

Tickets and licenses we hold

ISA Certified Arborist. International Society of Arboriculture, current member
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ). Held by the arborist who writes your report
ANSI A300 pruning standards. Every cut follows the industry pruning standard
OSHA and ANSI Z133 compliant. Documented job briefings, rigging checks and PPE on every site
Licensed debris hauling and recycling. Chip and timber taken to a licensed recycling yard

ABN: on your quote and invoice
Waste hauling permit: on request
Liability policy: certificate emailed with your quote
Service area: Jacksonville, Florida

Check it yourself

We email the current certificates of currency with every quote, and we send them to your building manager or insurer on request.

Check our credentials Read our licenses Call (904) 337-5334

Questions

Permit questions from Jacksonville owners

The five questions we answer on nearly every permit call.

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Jacksonville?: Usually yes if the tree meets the protected diameter under Chapter 656. Health status does not exempt the tree from the process, but a report confirming the tree is dead or hazardous normally moves the review faster.
How long does a tree removal permit take?: Plan for one to four weeks in most of Duval County. Straightforward removals with a clear arborist report move at the faster end. Reviews tied to a larger development or conservation easement take longer.
What does the Planning and Development Department want in an arborist report?: Species, height, trunk diameter, canopy spread, health and structure findings, the reason for removal, and the retention options considered. An ISA Certified Arborist signs it.
Can I prune a protected tree without a permit?: Light deadwooding and standard maintenance pruning are usually allowed. Removing major limbs from a protected tree can require review. Call us and we will check the current Chapter 656 standard for your address.
What if a storm drops the tree tonight?: Clear the immediate danger, photograph everything first, then report the removal to the City the next business day. We write the emergency documentation insurers and the City accept, including for named-storm cleanup during hurricane season.

Step 2 · Tell us about the job

Find out if your tree needs a permit

Send your address and a photo. We check the Chapter 656 standards and tell you what the City will ask for.