Do you need a tree removal permit in Melbourne, FL?

For some trees. Melbourne requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. The City of Melbourne Engineering Department handles tree removal and underbrush clearing applications. The city's fee page lists existing one-, two- and three-family dwellings as exempt "per Florida Statute"; it is not clear if that means no permit or only no fee. Development and redevelopment sites need a certified tree survey and pay fees per DBH-inch. Ask Engineering whether your tree needs a permit before you cut. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

The application asks for species and trunk diameter (DBH) of each tree 4 inches DBH and greater, and palms with 6 feet or more of clear trunk. The fee schedule lists a higher fee for a "grand tree" ($300 per DBH-inch).

Send the Application for Tree Removal and/or Underbrush Clearing to the City of Melbourne Engineering Department, 900 E. Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901, phone 321-608-7300, engineering@mlbfl.org. The form is not a permit; fees are billed through the city's EnerGov system and must be paid before the permit is issued. Development or redevelopment sites need a certified tree survey and site plan.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.

Yes, they can. County rules, state rules for things like wetlands or protected species, and utility rules near power lines can apply on top of city rules. If your property is outside city limits, the county rules usually apply instead. Ask the city or county office.

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.