Tree care · Southeast
Florida is warm for most of the year, humid in the north and tropical in the far south. Live oaks, pines, magnolias and palms fill many yards. Hurricanes, summer thunderstorms and lightning shape most tree care here.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Quercus virginiana
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus laurifolia
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesPinus elliottii
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesPinus palustris
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesSabal palmetto
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesMagnolia grandiflora
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesTaxodium distichum
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesLagerstroemia indica
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer rubrum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLiquidambar styraciflua
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSyagrus romanzoffiana
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the busiest period usually late summer and fall. Daily summer thunderstorms bring wind and lightning.
Main storm months: June to November for hurricanes
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Many people prune before hurricane season starts, and trees and palms can often be trimmed through much of the year. Avoid heavy cutting right before or during a storm threat, and ask an arborist about the right amount for your tree.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Many Florida cities and counties have tree ordinances, and the rules for removing trees at homes have changed in recent years. Check your local rules before cutting. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Florida, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
No state tree license found
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Florida. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the Florida state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Florida?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
We could not confirm a state-level tree trimming or removal license in Florida. Local rules can still apply, and mangroves and pesticide work have their own state rules. Check our state page. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Many homeowners schedule a check in the spring, before June. An arborist can remove dead wood, thin weak branches and look at trees close to your house. Avoid heavy cutting, because it can weaken the tree.
Palms can often be trimmed through much of the year. Ask an arborist how much to take off, because cutting too much can stress the palm. Dead fronds and seed pods are the usual targets.
Stay away from anything touching power lines and call the utility. Call 911 for danger. Take photos for your insurance and have a licensed, insured crew remove the tree.
It depends on your city or county. Many have tree ordinances, and the rules for homeowners have changed recently. Call your local office before you cut. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
If you have avocado, redbay or related trees, ask your county extension office or an arborist about laurel wilt. Sudden wilting and brown leaves that stay on the branch are signs to get checked.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.