I can’t cut down my own tree?
can’t cut down my own tree?
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – July 20, 2017 – Question: Last week as I was about to cut down a tree in my yard that was dumping leaves into my pool, my neighbor came running out of his house to tell me I could be in trouble for doing this without our town’s permission. I held off because he was so insistent. Is this true? – Harry
Answer: Be sure to thank your neighbor because he probably saved you some aggravation.
With few exceptions, most cities and counties require that you obtain a permit to remove a tree on your own property. You must apply for the permit and pay a fee to determine whether you will be allowed to remove the tree.
The rules vary from place to place, so you’ll need to check where you live to see if a permit is necessary. In some areas, certain types of trees can be removed without a permit, along with smaller trees under a certain diameter (usually 6 inches or less). Also, the rules may be different depending on how far the tree is from your property line. However, dead trees typically can be removed without a permit.
Most cities and counties will send someone to your home at your request to help determine what may be removed and what to replace it with, but you will be responsible for the work. If you are hiring a contractor to assist you, remember to make sure they’re licensed and insured.
When you get the permit, you’ll usually be required to replace the tree with one or more trees of a similar size and certain (usually native) species.
If you decide that all of this isn’t worth it and just chop away, you can be fined and charged a replanting fee. Many municipalities have hotlines for homeowners to report offending neighbors. In my experience, folks can get very upset when trees are cut down improperly, so be sure to follow the rules.
About the writer: Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He practices real estate, business litigation and contract law from his office in Sunrise, Fla. He is the chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is a co-host of the weekly radio show Legal News and Review. He frequently consults on general real estate matters and trends in Florida with various companies across the nation. Send him questions online at www.sunsentinel.com/askpro or follow him on Twitter @GarySingerLaw.
Source: Florida Realtors
-
New$359,000
Spanish Harbor
Courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate
2 BEDS2 BATHS1141 SQFTShare this Property -
New$899,000
Bonita Lakes
Courtesy of Redfin Corporation
4 BEDS3 BATHS2979 SQFTShare this Property -
New$384,500
Beach And Tennis Club
Courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate
1 BEDS1 BATHS508 SQFTShare this Property -
New$3,299,000
Bonita Bay
Courtesy of Dellatore Real Estate Company
3 BEDS4 BATHS4512 SQFTShare this Property -
$850,000
Bn06 - North Bonita East Of Us41
Courtesy of EXP Realty, LLC
3 BEDS3 BATHS2950 SQFTShare this Property -
$1,250,000
Bn12 - East Of I-75 South Of Cit
Courtesy of John R. Wood Properties
4 BEDS3 BATHS3283 SQFTShare this Property -
$160,000
Clewiston
Courtesy of Dyess Real Estate
2 BEDS1 BATHS800 SQFTShare this Property -
$680,000
Charlotte Shores
Courtesy of Florida Resale Properties Inc
3 BEDS2 BATHS1819 SQFTShare this Property -
$2,400,000
The Colony At Pelican Landing
Courtesy of John R Wood Properties
3 BEDS4 BATHS4260 SQFTShare this Property -
$3,499,900
Bn01 - Bonita Beach
Courtesy of Downing-Frye Realty Inc
3 BEDS3 BATHS3355 SQFTShare this Property -
$850,000
Bn04 - Bonita Bay
Courtesy of John R. Wood Properties
2 BEDS3 BATHS2060 SQFTShare this Property -
$595,000
Bonita Fairways
Courtesy of EXP Realty LLC
3 BEDS3 BATHS1704 SQFTShare this Property