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Council tightens tree protections: specimen threshold lowered to 18 inches, restricted to 'desirable' species
Summary
On second reading the council adopted an amendment to the tree‑protection code that lowers the specimen‑tree caliper minimum from 24 to 18 inches and limits specimen status to species listed as 'desirable' by the Florida Native Plant Society for East Central Florida; council said the change aims to preserve more trees while excluding invasive/undesirable species.
The City Council on June 17 adopted Ordinance 2025‑03 amending the City Code definition of 'specimen tree.' The ordinance reduces the caliper threshold from 24 inches to 18 inches and adds a requirement that specimen trees be selected from a 'desirable species' list drawn from the Florida Native Plant Society’s regional list.
City Attorney and staff explained the change applies citywide and does not alter the removal process: removal of a specimen tree still requires a city council decision, whereas other tree removals follow the administrative permitting process. The revised definition excludes species classified as undesirable (for example, recognized invasive plants) even if they meet the caliper threshold.
Council members asked technical questions about understory plants, cabbage palms and what qualifies as a tree under the code; City Arborist Tim Davis confirmed the code distinguishes understory from trees and that cabbage palms and similar species are addressed by the existing desirable/undesirable lists and the tree definition (minimum DBH and mature height criteria). Members who supported the change said lowering the threshold would preserve more mature canopy trees; others cautioned the definition of 'desirable' can be subjective and asked staff to ensure clear guidance and an administrative process for variance or removal requests.
The ordinance passed on second reading by unanimous vote. Staff will apply the new definition to development and tree‑removal permits and continue to use the existing specimen‑tree application process for removal requests that would otherwise come before council.
