Tree service in Boca Raton, FL

Do you need a tree permit in Boca Raton?

For most homeowners, no. The city's Environmental Office says City Code Chapter 27 (Vegetation) doesn't apply to trees or landscaping within the property lines of single-family homes, owner-occupied two-family homes, or the enclosed courtyards of multi-family townhomes, so no city permit is required there (City of Boca Raton: Environmental Office FAQs).

Other properties are a different story. Work in the city right-of-way needs an Engineering right-of-way permit, and root pruning close to a tree can require an ISA Certified Arborist report. HOAs in Boca often have strict landscape rules of their own.

Florida's dangerous-tree exemption (F.S. 163.045)

State law overrides city and county tree rules in one situation. Under Florida Statutes § 163.045, a local government may not require a notice, application, permit, fee, mitigation, or replanting to prune, trim, or remove a tree on residential property if the owner has documentation that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.

The details matter. The documentation has to be an onsite assessment done under the ISA's Tree Risk Assessment best management practices (second edition, 2017), signed by an ISA Certified Arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect. "Unacceptable risk" means removal is the only practical way to bring the risk below moderate. "Residential property" means a single-family detached home actively used as one; duplexes, townhomes, condos, commercial lots, and vacant lots don't qualify. The exemption doesn't apply to mangrove protection rules.

• Get the signed assessment before any cutting, not after.
• Keep a copy. Several cities ask owners to send it in so a removal isn't mistaken for a violation.
• HOA rules are private covenants and aren't covered by the statute.

Trees and problems common in Boca Raton

• Royal palm
• Coconut palm
• Sabal palm
• Live oak
• Gumbo limbo
• Mahogany
• Sea grape
• Ficus

• Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina, also called weeping banyan) has aggressive roots, and UF/IFAS lists it among South Florida species with low wind resistance (UF/IFAS FR173).
• When mitigation applies, the city mitigates Category I and II invasive trees at a lower rate than other trees (Florida Invasive Species Council).
• Coconut palms over pools and patios need regular nut and frond removal.

Hurricane prep and storm cleanup

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 (National Hurricane Center). Wilma (2005) caused heavy tree damage in Palm Beach County. Thin dense ficus and shade trees, and remove coconuts, before summer.

Report trees on lines to FPL. The city's planting setbacks follow FPL's Right Tree, Right Place guidelines, so ask about these when replacing trees.

Hiring a tree service in Boca Raton

Even without a city permit, your HOA may need to approve removals and may require a certificate of insurance before a crew can enter. Ask the company to handle HOA paperwork.

Checks that apply anywhere in Florida

• Certificate of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation, sent by the insurer or agent, naming you as certificate holder.
• ISA credential: confirm any claimed Certified Arborist number with the ISA verification tool.
• A written estimate that says who pulls any permit, whether stump grinding and haul-away are included, and how the lawn and driveway will be protected.
• Florida has no state tree-trimmer license, and since July 1, 2025 local governments can no longer require one (UF/IFAS Extension). Training such as ISA certification is the better signal.
• Be wary of large cash deposits or door-to-door offers after a storm. Report suspected storm price gouging to the Florida Attorney General.