Orange County Arborist Team
In September 2023, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a new, award-winning arbor ordinance that provides better protection to trees during development and prioritizes adding new trees to the County’s urban canopy. Today, developers must preserve mature, ecologically significant trees on-site, replant more trees than they remove, or contribute increased mitigation fees to the County.
Those mitigation fees are being reinvested directly back into our community. In 2026, Orange County will use this revenue stream to plant hundreds of new trees in public spaces and neighborhoods across Orange County.
To help keep everything on track, the County’s Zoning Division has added more boots on the ground. The number of arborists has doubled—from three to six. These tree experts make sure the new rules are followed and that our urban canopy is in good hands.
Arborists also ensure permitting rules are followed regarding tree removal on commercial and residential properties. If you live in unincorporated Orange County, you might need a permit from the County’s Zoning Division before you remove that tree.
For residential property, a tree removal permit(External link) is required if:
- Property is over 2 acres with a home
- Property is vacant, regardless of size
For commercial property, a tree removal permit(External link) is almost always required.
For more information on tree removal permits, visit https://www.ocfl.net/PermitsLicenses/Permits/TreeRemovalPermit.aspx(External link).
Orange County’s enduring commitment to tree canopy management and environmental stewardship has earned the County the recognition as an Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA community for 19 consecutive years.