Tree service in Fort Myers, FL

Do you need a tree permit in Fort Myers?

For native species, yes. The City of Fort Myers' permit guide lists "Tree Removal (Native Species)" as requiring a permit for both residential and commercial property, along with land and lot clearing (City of Fort Myers: do I need permits?). Applications go through the Building, Permitting and Inspections division.

Mangroves along the river are regulated separately, and the state arborist exemption doesn't apply to mangrove rules. Unincorporated Lee County addresses with a Fort Myers mailing address follow Lee County rules; the city's permitting page has an "Am I in the City?" lookup.

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 Fort Myers

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

• Tall royal palms on historic streets and in yards need careful frond and seed-stalk removal.
• Invasive Brazilian pepper and Australian pine are common clearing jobs (Florida Invasive Species Council).
• Ganoderma butt rot is a fatal palm disease; a shelf-like conk on the lower trunk is a sign the palm should be removed (UF/IFAS PP100).

Hurricane prep and storm cleanup

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 (National Hurricane Center). Ian (2022) brought surge and wind across the city. Before summer, trim dead fronds and thin dense shade trees.

Report trees on lines to FPL. Native trees killed by a storm may still need a removal permit or documentation, so check with the city after a storm.

Hiring a tree service in Fort Myers

Confirm the company will pull any required city permit for native trees, and get the scope in writing. After big storms, verify that crews have current insurance and aren't asking for full payment up front.

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.