Short answer: it depends on where your property sits, how big the tree is, and its condition. Brevard County and each of its cities regulate trees differently—and a Florida state law can exempt residential owners entirely. Here's how to tell what applies to you, and how we handle the paperwork so you don't have to.

Brevard County's Rules (Unincorporated Areas)

In unincorporated Brevard County, the Land Development Regulations protect larger trees. A "protected tree" is generally one measuring 10 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) or more, and removing one typically requires a permit from the county's Natural Resources Management office—often with a site inspection before approval (Brevard County Code § 62-4337). Common exceptions:

  • Invasive / nuisance species — trees like Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, melaleuca, ear tree, and chinaberry generally do not need a permit to remove.
  • Dead, diseased, or dangerous trees — a tree that is dead or poses a genuine threat can usually be removed with the permit fee waived, though documentation may still be required.
  • Land clearing — clearing a lot or multiple trees for development falls under separate land-clearing permits.

Rules and thresholds change, and the specifics depend on your parcel—always confirm with Brevard County Natural Resources, or let us check for you.

Cities Have Their Own Rules

If your property is inside a municipality—Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Rockledge, Cocoa, West Melbourne, or the beachside towns—the county code may not apply; that city's own tree ordinance does. Each sets its own definition of a protected tree, its own permit thresholds, and its own mitigation (replanting) requirements. This is the single most common source of confusion, and the reason a quick check before you cut saves real headaches.

The Florida Law That Can Waive Your Permit

Here's what most homeowners don't know: under Florida Statute 163.045, a local government cannot require a permit, application, fee, or mitigation to prune or remove a tree on residential (single-family) property when the owner obtains written documentation from an ISA Certified Arborist that the tree presents a danger. That documentation must be an on-site assessment performed under the ISA's Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices and signed by the certified arborist.

This is exactly the documentation our ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and TRAQ-certified assessor are qualified to provide. If your tree genuinely poses an unacceptable risk, we can document it to the statute's standard—often clearing the way to remove it without the local permit process. (The exemption applies to single-family residential property and to trees that present a real danger, not simply unwanted trees.)

We Handle the Permits For You

You don't need to navigate any of this alone. As part of any removal, we research what your specific property requires, coordinate county or municipal permits when they're needed, and provide the arborist documentation the dangerous-tree exemption calls for. Skipping a required permit can mean fines that dwarf the cost of the job, so we make compliance part of the service. Planning ahead? See our tree removal cost guide and request a free permit check with your estimate.

Tree Removal Permits in Brevard County — FAQs

Can I remove a tree on my own property in Brevard County without a permit?

Sometimes. Small trees, invasive/nuisance species, and dead or genuinely dangerous trees are often exempt, but protected trees (generally 10" DBH or larger) in unincorporated county areas usually require a permit—and cities have their own rules. Florida's residential dangerous-tree exemption may also apply. We confirm what your specific property needs before any work.

What is a 'protected tree' in Brevard County?

In unincorporated Brevard County, a protected tree is generally one measuring 10 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH). Specimen, historic, or certain native trees may carry extra protection, and individual cities define it differently—always confirm locally.

Does Florida law really let me remove a dangerous tree without a permit?

Yes. Under Florida Statute 163.045, a local government cannot require a permit, fee, or mitigation to remove a dangerous tree on single-family residential property when an ISA Certified Arborist provides signed documentation, based on an on-site risk assessment, that the tree presents an unacceptable risk.

Do you handle the tree removal permit for me?

Yes. We research the requirements for your address, coordinate any county or municipal permits, and—where the law allows—provide the arborist documentation that exempts a dangerous-tree removal. Just ask for a free permit check with your estimate.