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1. Does the City of Fernandina Beach have a tree ordinance?

Yes, it is part of the City’s Land Development Code and is located in Chapter 4 and Chapter 11 available in our

Document Center

2. Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my property?

Yes, A permit from the City is required for removal of any tree that has a DBH of 5 inches or greater. The only exceptions to this are for nurseries, certain

3. My tree is dead, do I still need a permit to remove it?

Yes, a permit is still required if the tree has a DBH of 5 inches or greater

4. What is DBH?

DBH stands for “diameter at breast height” and means the diameter of a tree four and one-half (4½) feet above ground level from the base of the tree, provided however, if the tree trunk forks below four and one-half (4½) feet above ground level diameter measurement shall be taken one (1) inch below the fork of the trunk.

5. How do I obtain a permit to remove a tree?

An application is required to be submitted prior to issuance of the permit. Please call the Planning and Conversation Department, (904) 310-3481. 

Tree Removal Application

6. What happens if I remove a tree(s) without a permit?

The owner of the property from which the tree was removed is responsible for restoration. At a minimum, this includes an inch for inch replacement of that tree(s) and a possible fine of up to $250.00 per inch.

7. I think someone has removed, or is removing a tree without a permit, what should I do?

Please call the City of Fernandina Beach Code Enforcement Department at (904)310-3441. Your identity can remain anonymous.

8. A tree has fallen into a City Street, what should I do?

Please call the City Streets Department at (904)310-3310.

9. What is a heritage tree?

A heritage tree is any native tree designated as irreplaceable by the City, due to its size, age, historic, aesthetic, or cultural significance. Generally, the tree must be a native tree like a Live Oak, Southern Magnolia, Southern Red Cedar or other native species and have a diameter breast height (DBH) of at least thirty-six (36) inches.

10. I think I have a heritage tree on my property, what do I do to get it designated?

Any citizen, property owner, or City official may nominate a tree to be designated as a heritage tree. The nomination is researched by the City Arborist and forwarded to the City Commission for official designation. Please contact the City Arborist at (904) 310-3484, if you are interested in nominating a heritage tree