Do You Need a Tree Removal Permit in Ocala, FL? Chapter 118 & Fla. Stat. § 163.045 Explained

City of Ocala Chapter 118 — the 4-inch DBH rule and $100 permit

Inside Ocala city limits, tree removal is governed by Chapter 118, Article II, Division 3 of the Code of Ordinances (Sec. 118-71 through 118-74), administered by the City of Ocala Growth Management Department (201 SE 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471). Unless a specific statutory or zoning exemption applies, a City Tree Removal Permit is required before cutting down, moving, transplanting, or destroying any tree measuring 4 inches or greater in diameter at breast height (DBH, measured 4.5 feet above ground), regardless of species or condition.

The City's Tree Removal Permit application carries a $100.00 permit fee, requires flagging the tree(s) on site and submitting a location sketch to [email protected] or the Permitting Office, and takes at least 10 business days for staff review, inspection, and approval or denial. The City also treats "topping" or removing more than one-third of a tree's foliage per year — or destroying a tree's natural shape — as unauthorized tree removal under Chapter 118.

The R-1, R-1A, and R-1AA single-family parcel exemption in Ocala

Many Ocala homeowners do not need a City permit for backyard tree work because of the single-family residential zoning exception in Sec. 118-71(b)(1) and the City's permit guidelines. Specifically, tree removal on an individual parcel of record less than 3 acres (130,680 square feet) zoned R-1, R-1A, or R-1AA that is occupied by an existing single-family residence is exempt from Chapter 118 tree removal permitting (note that Sec. 118-71(b)(1) excludes owners who hold adjoining property, another lot in the same subdivision, or another tract within 660 feet). Clearing underbrush and removing small trees under 4 inches DBH is also exempt citywide under Sec. 118-71(b)(5).

Because Ocala includes Multifamily (R-2, R-3), Office, Commercial, PUD, and Historic overlays alongside R-1 zones, homeowners can verify their exact parcel zoning before cutting by checking the City of Ocala OneMap GIS portal or contacting a city planner at 352-629-8404.

Florida Statute § 163.045 — statewide preemption for hazardous residential trees

Even where a local government ordinance would otherwise require a tree permit (for example, on larger parcels, non-R-1 residential zoning, or protected/heritage trees in unincorporated Marion County or deed-restricted PUDs subject to municipal rules), Florida Statute § 163.045 provides a statewide preemption for detached single-family residential properties.

Under Fla. Stat. § 163.045(2)–(3) (as amended by Ch. 2022-121, Laws of Florida), a local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, mitigation, or replanting for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a single-family, detached residential lot if the property owner possesses signed documentation from an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect.

To qualify under the statute, the arborist or landscape architect must perform an on-site assessment in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture's Best Management Practices — Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) and sign documentation finding that the tree poses an "unacceptable risk" to persons or property — defined by the statute as a tree where removal is the only practical means of mitigating its risk below moderate. Keep a copy of the signed risk assessment and before-removal photos in your permanent property file.

Power-line clearance and Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) line drops

Neither a City tree permit nor Fla. Stat. § 163.045 authorizes private contractors to work inside the minimum approach distance of energized primary power lines. Within Ocala Electric Utility territory, OEU's Vegetation Management division trims limbs threatening primary distribution lines (352-351-6600). When a tree on your property stands within 10 feet of the secondary electrical service drop running from the pole to your house mast, you or your tree contractor can submit an online "Line Drop for Tree Work" request to OEU to have the service line temporarily dropped at no charge while the tree is rigged down.

Related

• Tree removal in Ocala
• Emergency and storm tree removal in Ocala
• Cost guide (Ocala)
• Hiring guide (Ocala)
• Marion County storm & tree data

Sources: City of Ocala Code of Ordinances — Chapter 118, Division 3 (Sec. 118-71 to 118-74) · Florida Statutes § 163.045 — Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property · City of Ocala Electric Utility — Vegetation Management & Line Drop for Tree Work · checked 2026-10-23